Four Massachusetts congressmen are asking federal fishery officials to delay prosecutions of Northeastern fishermen as they sort through problems in their enforcement division.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration head Jane Lubchenco this month ordered a review of fishery enforcement.
That came after a January inspector general’s report that said Northeast fishermen were fined at a high rate and the penalty process often appeared arbitrary and unfair.
Sen. John Kerry and Reps. Barney Frank, John Tierney and William Delahunt sent the letter Tuesday.
They said any prosecutions now would be seen as "tainted" and should be delayed until NOAA completed its review.