"Catch shares are going to collapse the industry unless it's straightened out," Lang said. "That's the whole point of the suit. If we let them off the hook, two years from now you'll be knocking on my door on Orchard Street saying: 'Can we come in. We've got some major problems with NOAA.'"

In July, federal court Judge Rya Zobel ruled in favor of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration in a dispute over the legality of the controversial catch shares system governing groundfishing in the Northeast. The plaintiffs included the cities of New Bedford and Gloucester, along with eight entities and individuals representing fishing interests.

However, a pending appeal has prompted fears that overturning the verdict could throw the industry into chaos by scrapping the regulations.

A letter, with the names of 105 fishermen and boat owners attached, was sent to all New England senators and congressmen on Nov. 14 warning them of "dangerous proposals that truly put the future of our businesses and fisheries at risk." Maggie Raymond, co-owner of two fishing boats and executive director of the Associated Fisheries of Maine, whose members also signed the letter, advised the mayor to pursue change through Congress, rather than the courts.

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