Carolyn Eastman, co-owner of Eastman's Fish Market in Seabrook, predicts a 70 percent reduction in the number of fish caught by local fishermen this summer — and the potential devastation of her business.
She said she fears new federal regulations, which take effect May 1, will have a crippling economic impact on fisheries and fisherman all across New England.
The new rules put a cap on the number of groundfish — including cod, flounder and haddock — that can be fished out of New England's waters.
There are also new incentives to form "sectors" or fishing crews that band together and are given a portion of groundfish catch based on the combined fishing history of the group's members. Those who opt out of sector management and choose to fish independently will face tighter restrictions — including a decrease in the number of days and geographical area they're allowed to fish, seasonal closures and trip limits.
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