June 25, 2013 — The Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen's Association has changed its name to the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance.
The following was released by the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance:
Chatham, Mass. — More than 20 years ago, a group of hook fishermen banded together to address declining cod populations and improve fisheries management. Over time, more and more fishermen became involved, regardless of the type of gear they used, and the organization expanded its work into other local fisheries such as scallops, skates, conch and dogfish.
Now, the organization is officially changing its name to better reflect the wide range of its fishermen members. We are the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance.
This group of day-boat fishermen on Cape Cod is still finding solutions to the challenges they face on the water and is still committed to preserving Cape Cod's small boat fleet for the future.
"So many fishermen have been coming together here to fix the problems they see in today's fishing industry, and all of us are making sure we adapt to a changing environment – in the ocean, in the marketplace, in awareness and in regulations," says lobster, monkfish, dogfish and skate fisherman Nick Muto, chairman of the Alliance.
"I work on a skiff – the smallest of the small boats," says fisherman Leo Maher, who pursues different fish species at different times of the year. "The organization takes my input, and we have been working together to create stronger fishing businesses and help the next generation get started. That's important to me because I have a son who fishes."
"This organization is run by fishermen for fishermen, and the new name counts everyone in," says Alliance CEO John Pappalardo. "Whether we're collaborating to improve fishing regulations, expand research programs, conduct economic development projects, or bring the community together, we're building a better future for fish and fishing."
The group's new website will be: www.capecodfishermen.org