PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — January 30, 2013 — The New England Fishery Management Council passed a 77 percent, three-year cut in catch limits for Gulf of Maine cod on Wednesday, and is considering cuts of up to 70 percent for other species.
Fishermen said the drastic catch limits will destroy the industry and the proposals are based on flawed science.
“The economic disaster that’s coming doesn’t need to happen,” said Paul Vitale, who fishes off Gloucester, Mass. “I’ll be going bankrupt. That’s the plan.”
Vitale said he would rather see the groundfishing industry shut down completely while studies are done, rather than let it limp along with severe catch limits.
Chris Chadwick, who fishes off Gloucester and Marblehead, Mass., said reducing the quotas hurts his family.
“I think this is unfair. All I’m trying to do is support my family. Reducing the quotas reduces my child’s ability to go to college,” Chadwick said.
Read the full story at the Kennebec Journal