Over the years, Senator Kennedy and his staff in Washington have been reliable allies and friends for fishermen and their families in New Bedford, Gloucester, the South Shore, and the Cape. Just a few of his successes from the past decade are listed here. He will be missed by working fishing families and all of his constituents. Requiem aeternam dona eis, et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Cooperative Fisheries Research
Senator Kennedy helped secure more than $10 million in cooperative research grants to encourage commercial fishermen to join federally funded marine scientists in conducting research and fisheries surveys.
Fishing Partnership Health Plan
Senator Kennedy worked with the State of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Fisherman’s Partnership, Caritas Christi, and Tufts Health Plan to create the Fishing Partnership Health Plan and secure federal funding support for it. Prior to the creation of the Fishing Partnership Health Plan, more than 43 percent of fishermen in Massachusetts didn’t have health insurance and today more than 1,800 fishermen rely on this groundbreaking health care partnership.
Innovative Scallop and Groundfish Fisheries Sustainability Research
Senator Kennedy championed innovative groundfish and scallop research at the UMass Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology and the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Institute by securing more than $14 million in funding through the Department of Commerce. The research is designed to develop new technologies to protect our fishing grounds and promote the long-term sustainability of this vital Massachusetts industry.
Fishing Partnership Health Plan
Senator Kennedy worked with the State of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Fisherman’s Partnership, Caritas Christi, and Tufts Health Plan, to create the Fishing Partnership Health Plan and secure federal funding support for it. Prior to the creation of the Fishing Partnership Health Plan, more than 43 percent of fishermen in Massachusetts didn’t have health insurance and today more than 1,800 fishermen rely on this ground-breaking health care partnership.
Red Tide Relief
In 2005, Senators Kennedy worked with John F. Kerry (D-Mass.), Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), and Susan M. Collins (R-Maine) in the Senate to gain approval for $5 million to assist New England fishermen who were affected by a red tide outbreak.
See also: Kennedy championed fishermen’s causes,
and SALEM NEWS OPINION: Kennedy was passionate advocate for region’s fishermen,
and News analysis: ‘With fisheries, the first number you’d dial was Kennedy’s’.