To the [Gloucester Times] editor:
It's time to chime in and ask that marine fishing communities step back and gain perspective on what recently has happened in recent weeks — and, more importantly, why.
I must question the following actions as to whether or not they possibly are mostly meant to diminish the impact of the national fishermen's rally scheduled in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 24.
First, the Inspector General's report on NOAA and NMFS's overtly severe enforcement tactics was released early, before it was complete. It provided an opportune response for the head of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to call for a summit seeking answers to their own ineptness — and in portraying a spirit of cooperation.