CONTACT:
Dave Bard – 202.486.4426

Pew Environment Group to Host Press Call on Study that Shows Rebuilding Fish Populations in the Mid-Atlantic Would Generate Billions of Dollars

July 21, 2009

UPDATE: Download a recording of the press call (MP3)

WASHINGTON – On Thursday, July 23 at 11 a.m. EDT, Pew will lead a press call to discuss a new report that reveals the significant economic benefits and costs of delay of rebuilding depleted fish populations in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The report, Investing in Our Future: The Economic Case for Rebuilding Mid-Atlantic Fish Populations, focuses on four depleted fish species – summer flounder, black sea bass, butterfish and bluefish.  Many in the fishing industry fear the impact of tighter regulations and stricter controls.  However, the report by Dr. John Gates, professor emeritus, University of Rhode Island, shows that delayed rebuilding actually means lost opportunities for both commercial and recreational fishermen.

WHAT:
Press conference call to examine how rebuilding depleted fish populations can generate billions of dollars for Mid-Atlantic coastal communities

WHEN:
Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 11 a.m. EDT

WHO:

• Lee Crockett – director, Federal Fisheries Policy, Pew Environment Group (moderator)
• Dr. John Gates – report author and Professor Emeritus, Departments of Economics, Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, University of Rhode Island
• Carl Safina – president, Blue Ocean Institute
• Captain Paul Eidman – licensed New Jersey fishing guide, Reel Therapy Charters

To join the telepress conference, please RSVP by contacting
Dave Bard, 202.486.4426, dbard@pewtrusts.org

This call will be recorded as an mp3 and will be posted to www.endoverfishing.org approximately three hours after the call ends.

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