The good news is that the agency is making available funds that are aimed at helping the New England fishing industry, and I appreciate Dr. Lubchenco’s decision to release the funds. The bad news is that the money will go primarily for research projects that may be useful in the long run, but which won’t provide much in the way of direct, short-term economic benefits to fishermen who have to cut back further on how much they can fish. Congressman Barney Frank
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 8, 2009
CONTACT: Brigid O’Rourke, 617-565-8252
BOSTON – Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy, and Congressmen Barney Frank and John Tierney today released the following statements on the decision by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to commit $16 million to assist the Northeast Fishing Industry in the wake of the recently announced plan for managing New England groundfish stocks.
Earlierthis week, NOAA announced an interim management plan that will govern the New England groundfishery for the fishing year thatbegins on May 1. While the interim plan – which was issued by recently appointed NOAA Administration Jane Lubchenco – imposes fewer restrictions on fishing than the initial proposal that was made in the final days of the Bush Administration, the plan does call for a reduction of 18 percent in Days at Sea, along with certain other restrictions. It is estimated that the plan will reduce fishing income in the region by at least 9 percent.
The new funding will be used to enhance current research projects that allow both scientists and industry to improve surveys of fish stocks. The funding will also be used to develop data reporting and fishery monitoring systems to better monitor fishing efforts, document catches and track permit transfers.
“This relief will help cushion the blow of the new regulatory burdens on our fishermen. This wasn’t easy. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Lubchencoand NOAA for meeting with us, listening to us, developing a compromise and giving our fishing industry the financial help it desperately needs. We must continue to work on long-term solutions that create sustainable fisheries while maintaining our fishing heritage,” said Senator JohnKerry.
“ Massachusetts fishing families have been part of the fabric of our Commonwealth since its earliest days, and now more than any other time, the industry is confronting serious threats.” said Senator Kennedy. “Our fishermen deserve the very best from the federal government, and I will continue to work with Senator Kerry and the members of our Congressional Delegation to ensure the industryremains a part of our culture and heritage. This funding is a step in the right direction.”
”As with the interim rule, there is good news and bad news here. The good news is that the agency is making available funds that are aimed at helping the New England fishing industry, and I appreciate Dr. Lubchenco’s decision to release the funds. The bad news is that the money will go primarily for research projects that may be useful in the long run, but which won’t provide much in the way of direct, short-term economic benefits to fishermen who have to cut back further on how much they can fish. I am hopeful that the Obama Administration, in keeping with its views on the importance of offering financial help to those who are struggling in the current economic downturn, will identify additional sources of funds to help the industry. I will be consulting with my Congressional colleagues on the best options for achieving that goal, and continuing to push forimprovements in the underlying fishing laws that will help promote sustainable fish stocks and sustainable fishing communities,” said Congressman Barney Frank.
“Iam hopeful that this funding will provide some assistance for our fishing communities during this time of extreme economic hardship. I stand committed with my congressional colleagues to address the more immediate needs of the industry and, at the same time, will continue working together with fishermen and Dr. Lubchenco to further address the impact of the new regulations,”said Congressman John F. Tierney (D-MA).
NOAA also announced that it would work with local fishermen and communities to disseminate information about various grant and assistance program opportunities.