The meeting was co- sponsored by the City of New Bedford, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Institute (MFI). The Summit was intended to restore a foundation of trust between NOAA and the fishing industry through dialogue focused on the shared objectives of sustainable fish stocks and the economic viability of fishing communities. The principles of equity, fairness, conservation, preservation of jobs, income, fishing communities and families, minimization of waste, and flexibility in management can only be realized through a collaborative approach to management.

Three panels facilitated discussion. The issues selected were (1) catch shares and sectors, (2) scallops and scallop bycatch, and (3) amending the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA).

Read the Northeast Fisheries Summit Summary Report.