There have already been a number of red flags raised about the impending new federal regulatory regime that will hit the commercial fishery in Gloucester and throughout New England.
This conversion of the New England fishery is poorly planned. It is not credible, since it will be based on admittedly bogus statistics. It is confusing. And it has the potential to create chaos within the industry.
Beyond those, yet another flag has been raised at a two-day conference this week held by the New England Marine Fishery Management Council: While the new regime might improve the efficiency and organization of the fishery, as presently structured, it would likely destroy the community and family characteristics of the industry in ports such as Gloucester.