The Northeast Seafood Coalition explained to Saving Seafood that their leadership has grave concerns over the level of consolidation that will take place as a result of the very low annual catch limits and new groundfish regulations implemented on May 1st. 

The Coalition says it has been an active participant since 2002 in the public process to help develop rules to rebuild the groundfish fishery. However, they feel that today, at a time when the industry and public should be celebrating the progress that has been made to date, and the economic benefits to be derived from a rebuilt fishery, many groundfish businesses predict they will be unable to continue their operations due to Federal regulations.

The Coalition told Saving Seafood they believe the Department of Commerce should work collaboratively with the industry to develop concrete solutions to avert the unnecessary collapse of the groundfish industry.  They are seeking the President's direct intervention because "officials in the Commerce Department have failed to understand the reality and gravity of the challenge...".

Read the letter.