Bill Lee, who built his own boat and, in 37 years of fishing, became the unofficial ombudsman for the Gloucester fleet, has sold his permit to settle a $19,800 claim for illegal landings and is exiting the industry — with bitterness toward federal fishery law enforcers and the regulatory system.
"I was kind of forced out," Lee said. "I have been more vocal and out front. I've never allowed myself to be intimidated by law enforcement."
Lee also said his plight was not unique.
"Every port is losing a fisherman every week," he said. "This is not a Gloucester story, this is an Atlantic seaboard party."
Law enforcement fines are taking their toll along with conservative catch allocations.