"I think it's going to be devastating," said Avila of the new fishing regulations. " No one really knows though. It's the greatest unknown that is out there right now."
With systematic changes looming, Avila cashed in some of his chips, selling one boat he co-owned with his son, also named Rodney, on April 6.They sold the boat because his son, who captained the vessel, decided he did not want to own a boat with question marks marring the industry's financial landscape.
"I don't know what exactly will happen. Everyone keeps asking me that question. It's up in the air. It's all a crapshoot at this point," he said.
In the face of doubt that has gripped the industry, Avila, who serves as New Bedford's sole representative on the New England Fishery Management Council, is staying busy.
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