Fish Forward

Fish Forward

Reflections as MSA turns 50

a strong foundation and opportunity ahead

Jamie Goen's avatar
Jamie Goen
May 27, 2026
∙ Paid

Hi! We’re Fish Forward - a collaborative featuring folks tied to the oceans and the seafood it provides, chefs making seafood approachable to buy and cook at home, and artists inspired by the sea. Subscribe to our newsletter for lessons on sustainable fisheries management and seafood sourcing, recipes, and stories about the communities who connect with the ocean.


U.S. Senators Ted Stevens of Alaska and Warren Magnuson of Washington, 1973 (photo credit: Ted Stevens Foundation)

It’s hard to believe that the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA or Act), the law that makes U.S. fisheries some of the most sustainable in the world, is 50 this year! With any big milestone, it’s a good time to reflect on where we’ve come and where we’re going. Fish Forward’s Happy Anniversary MSA post highlighted 3 ways to celebrate the MSA and included a note from the head of NOAA Fisheries.

In this edition, I reflect on my experience with the MSA, looking at the successes and where the Act might need to evolve to face challenges ahead.

Before I dive in, Fish Forward wants to hear from you! Over this year, we plan to have a series of podcasts exploring some topics related to the MSA. Topics might include things like ecosystem based management, tools to help small fishing businesses, and the next generation in fisheries. What would you like us to explore?

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