Congressman Tierney released the following statement about the recent meeting with NOAA Administrators:
Peabody, MA — On Monday, March 22, 2010 in Boston, Congressman John Tierney (D-MA), joined by Senator John Kerry (D-MA) and Representative Barney Frank (D-MA), participated in a meeting with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrator (NOAA) Jane Lubchenco and the Assistant Administrator Eric Schwaab about the proposed “catch shares” system that has caused concern for the North Shore fishing industry. At the conclusion of the meeting, Tierney, who recently hosted an Oversight and Government Reform Domestic Policy Subcommittee hearing in Gloucester with Chairman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) on this issue and more, made the following statement.
“As was brought to light at the recent hearing I called for at Gloucester City Hall, at which Dr. Lubchenco testified, the catch share system proposal is one in a long line of urgent issues that need to be addressed by NOAA. With the implementation for this system on the horizon, it is imperative that we continue to seek flexibility and equity regarding enforcement and improve the science and cooperative research upon which so much depends. With respect to enforcement, I continued to call for NOAA to get its house in order – reiterating my request that Administrator Lubchenco suspend Office of Law Enforcement Director Dale Jones, at least pending the Inspector General investigation. Our families can no longer afford to be stalled by the unfair and, frankly, abusive practices of this agency’s enforcement arm. It is high time that the fishing community get some relief and that reasonable expectations be set,” said Congressman John F. Tierney (D-MA).