EXCERPT: “Regrettably, this system has not ended overfishing nor rebuilt depleted stocks.” Likewise, he said, “This interim rule will not solve our problems, and may well cost many of the region’s fishermen their livelihoods." [Peter Baker, Pew Environment Group’s End Overfishing in New England campaign]
WASHINGTON, DC (January 14, 2009) – Interim rules the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing for the Northeastern groundfishing industry drew harsh criticism today from the Pew Environment Group’s End Overfishing in New England campaign. “The measures strive to reduce overfishing, continue rebuilding of groundfish stocks,” such as cod, haddock and flounder, “and provide more options for fishing businesses trying to mitigate the economic effects of the measures while the New England Fishery Management Council finalizes a major revision to the fishery management plan,” the NMFS’ Northeast Regional Office says in a statement on its Web site about the draft rules, which are scheduled to go into effect May 1.
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