The Port of New Bedford has been the nation's top fishing port in value of landings for nine years in a row, bringing in $241.3 million in 2008. 

In his letter, Mayor Lang expressed appreciation for Assistant Administrator, Eric Schwaab's participation in the Northeast Fisheries Summit.

He noted that "at the Summit, key NOAA officials admitted that the catch share/sector system is a “work in progress” and that they will adjust the management allocations as the program develops. An admission of this magnitude by the regulatory authority is disconcerting, and is an irresponsible way to launch a new program that we know will cause certain harm to the people who work in the industry if not done properly."

The mayor argued that "it is paramount that the system be implemented correctly based on solid scientific data, that NOAA has a real understanding of the socio-economic impacts of the system, and that it is fair to all fisheries."

He concluded that "Based on these very real concerns, I urge you to temporarily delay the implementation of the catch share/sector program until such time that these issues have been addressed and the government has a clear understanding of the effects of the new system on the fishing families of New Bedford. The individuals in this industry do not deserve to be subject to a system which is a “work in progress”."

Read the Mayor's letter.