Calling new regulations an economic disaster for New England fishermen, Massachusetts congressmen are urging the House and the Senate to withhold funds from marine fisheries officials unless they boost catch limits.
For two months, members of the Massachusetts delegation and Governor Deval Patrick have been pushing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Department of Commerce to issue an emergency order to help the industry. The lack of action on the part of the agency is devastating to the industry and frustrating to state leaders, they say.
"Repeatedly, these discussions appear to have led to little more than speeches and broken promises,'' according to a letter from the lawmakers. "Because we feel serious consideration of all available options has not occurred, it is imperative that Congress assert itself in order to protect the livelihood of fishing communities across the country."
Read the complete story from The Boston Globe.