November 22, 2017 — NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The effects of NOAA’s decision to ban Carlos Rafael’s fleet from groundfishing on Monday remains unclear.
Mayor Jon Mitchell, who criticized NOAA’s approach to the case, said it’s “really hard to say” how big an effect the suspension of about 20 vessels from groundfishing will have on upwards of 70 fishermen.
“I think it’s fair to say there will be certain folks on the waterfront that will lose the opportunity to make a full livelihood this winter,” Mitchell said.
There’s a number of reasons that contribute to the uncertainty with NOAA withdrawing the operational plan for groundfishing of Sector IX, one of 19 fishing divisions in the Northeast primarily made up of permits held by Rafael.
It’s unknown how long the the vessels will be prevented from landing groundfish. There are few precedents to follow in a measure NOAA said it hasn’t been done before.
Monday’s order extends through the 2017 fishing year. However, Sector IX could submit a new plan at any time. If NOAA approves it, business would return as usual.