He delivered an 11-point letter to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chief Jane Lubchenco on Wednesday, and Lubchenco sent out her own letter before the day was out with a measure of good news.

Kerry's letter pressed on the oft-repeated points of the financial hardships suffered by so many smaller fishermen, and the need for improvements in both data collection and enforcement.

Lubchenco's response offered the news the NOAA will pick up the tab for the mandated onboard observers at least until April 2013. This allows another full year of management. Lubchenco promises that NOAA will "contract with an independent group to initiate a participatory evaluation process of the management reforms under way." She also said, "As a result of the management review, NOAA has been working to improve science collaboration with state and private research institutions, enhance data management systems to assist the fishing industry with more timely and accurate information, and strengthen outreach and communications."

Kerry addressed other issues, as well, including proper restitution for fishermen beset with obstacles to success because of NOAA's own administrative mistakes.

Read the complete opinion piece from The Standard-Times