In a move that will bring increased hardship to an already struggling industry, federal regulators on Monday substantially reduced the amount of cod that local fishermen will be able to catch for the fishing season that begins next month.
After a heated debate over the past few months that pitted fishermen against environmental advocates who have warned about the potential demise of the local cod population, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration cut the amount of cod that fishermen in the Gulf of Maine can catch by more than 4 million pounds, or 22 percent less than in 2011.
The cut, which follows the steepest reductions recommended by the New England Fishery Management Council in February, will take effect May 1.
Read the complete story from The Boston Globe.