Faced with an uncertain future and changing regulations, local fishermen cast out for the national spotlight Tuesday afternoon, sending a flotilla of boats to Martha’s Vineyard to coincide with the presidential vacation.
Five commercial fishing vessels based in New Bedford steamed into the harbor at Vineyard Haven, displaying banners with slogans such as "Fisheries Science not Political Science" and "Catch Shares Privatize the Sea."
The projection of New Bedford sea power over the horizon quickly caught the attention of local authorities, according to Richard Canastra of the Whaling City Seafood Display Auction, who helped orchestrate the showing.