The head of the agency overseeing ocean research and fisheries says the federal government has no interest in consolidating the nation’s fishing industry into the hands of a few large companies.
Instead, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chief Jane Lubchenco said the government can help craft rules to protect smaller, family-run fisheries that have traditionally plied the nation’s coastal waters.
"Small fishing communities are a valuable part of our natural heritage and our culture. They are a lot of what makes special places along the coastline special," Lubchenco told The Associated Press this week.
"Fishing is about a lot more than just economics. It’s about providing healthy, safe seafood. It’s about jobs. But it’s also about place. It’s about culture. It’s about community. And those are all important, and I think need to be maintained," she added.