March 23, 2024 — John Verissimo works as a fishing consultant following his career as a fishing boat captain and often answers calls about how the new Vineyard Wind Fisheries Compensation Fund will work.
“Basically, every day I’ll get a call from someone who will tell me, I need help with this, I need help with that, and if I don’t have the answer, I’ll get it,’ he said. “I support them by making sure they know what’s going on.”
He said he wants the fishermen who are eligible for this first-of-its-kind fund to feel comfortable with the process so that they will apply.
“My thing is I make sure that everyone understands this is the simplest way,” he said. “You’re going to wait, so the best thing to do is open this door and send in these things and let them know you’re working on the rest, and that way you don’t miss out.”