June 25, 2013 — The region’s top federal fisheries regulator said Monday that whether people point to tightened fish catch limits or a scarcity of fish as reasons why the fishing industry is struggling, there’s a need for everyone involved to work together on resources to support the groundfish industry in the Northeast.
“Whatever it is, there’s no question about the fact that there’s going to be incredible hardship over the next several years,” National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Regional Administrator John Bullard said during a public conference call.
Bullard invited feedback on a draft 20-point plan to support the fishing industry in the wake of stricter fish catch limits imposed on May 1.
“This document attempts to find ways within the day to day business of government to provide assistance,” he said.
Bullard said “there’s been a lot of talk about Congress trying to provide disaster assistance” but said efforts by the Massachusetts Congressional delegation to deliver that aid have not been successful to date. “They’re not giving up,” said Bullard.
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