Forage Fish Conservation Act of 2024

HR 9821, the Forage Fish Conservation Act of 2024, amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Act to establish a national definition for "forage fish" (small, schooling species like herring that support marine predators) and require fisheries management to protect their ecological role. It mandates that fishery councils assess annual catch limits based on the dietary needs of predators (such as tuna and marine mammals) and develop management plans for unmanaged forage fish species. The bill specifically directs immediate action to include river herring and shad in Atlantic fisheries management plans within 180 days. Implementation timelines include a 12-month definition deadline and 5-year phase-in for catch limit adjustments.