Squeezed by tightened regulations, catch limits and a grinding economic downturn, recreational and commercial fishermen surprised members of Congress — and themselves — by coming together as a group and pressing for a better deal from federal authorities.
Their next challenge is to keep that activism going to make sure lawmakers and the Obama administration pay more attention to America's oldest industry, organizers said after the United We Fish rally attracted more than 3,000 fishermen and their families to Capitol Hill on Wednesday.
"Thanks to the Recreational Fishing Alliance for bringing us together," Massachusetts state Sen. Bruce E. Tarr, a Republican who represents the port of Gloucester, told the crowd. "I have a question: Will you stay together?"
New England and New Jersey provided big contingents to the demonstration, which was held in support of legislation sponsored by Rep. Frank J. Pallone Jr., D-N.J., and Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y, that would allow the government to extend deadlines for rebuilding depleted fish stocks.