16 USC 4001 – Congressional findings
The Congress finds that—
(1) the commercial fishing industry of the United States significantly contributes to the national economy, and could make a greater contribution if fish resources within the United States Exclusive Economic Zone were more fully utilized;
(2) the commercial fisheries of the United States provide significant employment in coastal areas and in processing and distribution centers;
(3) fish contribute an important nutritional component to the American diet;
(4) increased consumption of seafood in the United States could significantly lower the risk of many cardiovascular diseases;
(5) Federally supported development programs for commercial fisheries are unable to meet present and future marketing needs;
(6) many fish species are underutilized by the United States fishing industry because of underdeveloped markets; and
(7) the United States fishing industry has the potential to expand greatly its contribution to interstate and foreign commerce, favorably affecting the balance of trade.
Terms Used In 16 USC 4001
- fish: means finfish, mollusks, crustaceans, and all other forms of aquatic animal life used for human consumption. See 16 USC 4003
- United States: means the several States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands and any other territory, possession, or commonwealth of the United States. See 16 USC 4003