That's because, in calling for a badly-needed new study of Gulf of Maine cod stocks, Kerry also hit on what has been obvious to many in the fishing industry and in fishing communities for more than a decade.

Warning against any hasty regulatory action based on a new cod study showing the stock — thought to be rebuilding and nearly rebuilt just four years ago — is now cast as deeply depleted, Kerry wrote that "the (Gulf of Maine) cod situation is further proof that the entire research and data process needs to be completely overhauled."

He's absolutely right, of course. And he's right in his proposed remedy as well — a system of study and data collection that will include the input and analysis of "industry leaders."

That might well go over like the proverbial lead balloon in the offices of NOAA.

Read the complete editorial in The Gloucester Times