Washington, DC – President Bush has directed the secretaries of State and Commerce to step up U.S. efforts to promote and protect sustainable fisheries. He's calling for an end to destructive fishing practices, such as unregulated bottom trawling, in American waters and elsewhere in the world.

In a memorandum drafted Tuesday, Bush instructed the two Cabinet officials to work with regional fishery management organizations, such as the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, and similar bodies to set up science-based rules to conserve fish and end destructive harvesting practices. And the President wants new arrangements to cover high seas areas not currently protected. Bush says fishing should not be allowed in certain areas until rules and regulating regimes are set up to manage them.

Bush also reiterated his call to Congress to renew the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Act. The Senate has passed its version of the legislation and is waiting on a pending House version, so the two can be reconciled in conference.

The reauthorization bill's supporters hope that a compromise can be reached after lawmakers return from the recess for next month's elections.