Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Amendments Act of 2006

H.R. 5051, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Amendments Act of 2006, updates the primary law governing marine fisheries in U.S. federal waters to improve the long-term sustainability of fish stocks. The bill establishes new programs to reduce "bycatch" (the accidental catching of non-target species), creates a national registry for recreational fishermen, and provides economic assistance for fishing communities affected by natural disasters, such as hurricanes. For citizens, these changes aim to ensure a stable seafood supply and preserve healthy oceans for recreational use while increasing penalties for illegal fishing and strengthening the management of regional fishing quotas.