WASHINGTON (Saving Seafood) Jan 29, 2013 — New Bedford mayor Jon Mitchell yesterday wrote to the New England Fishery Management Council stating that "More than at any other point in memory, the fishing industry needs the government to do everything in its power to prevent or mitigate the impact" of forthcoming cuts to the New England groundfish fishery.
In his letter, Mayor Mitchell identified five measures that "…could help keep the industry alive." In particular, the Mayor asked that the Council:
– Support the request of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation asking Mr. Bullard to reconsider his policy decision on proposed interim measures;
– Support the request of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation to ask NOAA to develop a "plan detailing actions NOAA would take to mitigate the economic impact of the groundfish cuts"
– Encourage NOAA to "develop a detailed analysis of how the government's rules failed the groundfish industry…"
– Reconsider reference points for all groundfish stocks as requested by the Northeast Seafood Coalition.
Mayor Mitchell also thanked the Council for its conclusion that a quota of 1150 metric tons for GB yellowtail flounder is appropriate. He asked the Council to pay close attention to whether that quota is implemented, and to urge NOAA to approach Canada about reconsidering the overall GB yellowtail quota for 2013.
Read the letter from Mayor Jon Mitchell here