Expressing disappointment and frustration at the lack of progress in a year's struggle dating to the Feb. 24, 2010, national fishermen's rally in Washington, D.C., Senator John Kerry (D-Mass) announced plans organize a field hearing of the Senate Commerce Committee — somewhere in Massachusetts, and no later than April.
The hearing would gather testimony for comprehensive legislation aimed at modifying the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the landmark 1976 law that governs America's fisheries and is credited with achieving sustainable stocks and ending overfishing.
Kerry also made it clear Tuesday that he is bringing his concerns directly to Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and NOAA administrator Jane Lubchenco in a private meeting to be scheduled.
"I've asked for a meeting with Secretary Locke and Administrator Lubchenco because I want them to hear firsthand just how badly these folks are hurting and talk about how together we can provide tangible relief," Kerry said in a statement to the Times.
Read the complete story from The Gloucester Times.