Saving Seafood

New bill would change Massachusetts lobster processing laws

January 18, 2019 — The first bill introduced in the Massachusetts Senate in 2019 aims to modernize the state’s lobster processing rules and expand in-state processing.

Massachusetts currently allows only for the production and sale of live and cooked lobsters and canned lobster meat, while raw and frozen lobsters are shipped to either Maine or Canada for processing before returning to the state.

“Our state has the second-largest lobster catch in the country. Yet without this bill, raw and frozen lobster parts are processed in Canada or Maine only to be brought back to our local consumers,” said the bill’s sponsor, State Senate Majority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “This bill modernizes those lobster laws to bolster the fishing industry and give consumers, including local restaurants and food stores, more choices, all while sustainably supporting coastal fishing communities.”

In 2017, Massachusetts lobstermen landed 16.57 million pounds of lobster for a total value of $81.54 million.

Read the full story at National Fisherman

Big Impact Likely if Massachusetts Can Vote to Legalize Lobster Processing

January 10, 2019 — SEAFOOD NEWS — The very first bill introduced in the Massachusetts Senate this year would modernize the states lobster processing rules and could result in a big expansion of lobster processing in New Bedford.

The bill, introduced by Gloucester based Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, and co-sponsored by other coastal legislators, would allow for the processing of raw frozen lobster parts in Massachusetts.

Under current law, possession of live, cooked, and canned or packaged lobster is allowed, but the possession of uncooked or frozen lobster parts is not.

The original premise was to prevent the illegal ripping of tails off undersized lobster by harvesters.

But the Mass. State Marine Fisheries has produced a report showing that in other states, such as Maine, the economic benefit of the change was huge, and there was no increase in illegal fishing of smaller lobsters or attempts to subvert lobster conservation.

Under existing laws, Massachusetts lobstermen and seafood vendors are required to sell or transport lobster out-of-state for processing and then bring them back for sale to consumers in the Bay State – often with a ‘Product of Canada’ label.

“Our state has the second-largest lobster catch in the country yet, without this bill, raw and frozen lobster parts are processed in Canada or Maine only to then be brought back to our local consumers,” said Senator Tarr. “This bill modernizes those lobster laws to bolster the fishing industry and give consumers, including local restaurants and food stores more choices all while sustainably supporting coastal fishing communities.”

“This report highlights that there is zero reason to further delay legislation to eliminate archaic restrictions on lobster processing. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to once again pass this bill so that businesses may finally expand and create jobs, especially in New Bedford,” said Sen. Mark Montigny, lead co-sponsor of the legislation.

Up to 80 percent of lobsters landed in the state are sent to out of state processing facilities and industry leaders say the move will facilitate opportunities to create and grow jobs in the state.

“The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association greatly appreciates Sen. Tarr’s efforts over the last several years to modernize the lobster processing laws,” said Beth Casoni, executive director of the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association. “This bill will allow our lobstermen to be competitive on a regional and international basis and we will work to ensure the bill’s passage.”

“East Coast Seafood Group, the world’s largest processor of lobster and headquartered in Topsfield, is pleased with the tremendous progress made by Sen. Tarr and the plan’s supporters,” said Bob Blais, vice president of East Coast Seafood Group.

“The lobsters harvested off the shores of Massachusetts and respective fishermen are the lifeblood of the state’s industry and we support the great efforts taken to ensure the sustainability of the lobster stock. It is with great pride our company will support the surrounding community by expanding our New Bedford operation with the investment in lobster processing equipment and partner in the shared development of what is likely to be hundreds of jobs in the state of Massachusetts.”

While lobster processors in Canada struggle with a shortage of workers that has at times curtailed output, New Bedford has no such problem.  Instead, the port has an excellent immigrant labor force and labor shortages are not an issue for processor expansion there.

Furthermore, the city has all the infrastructure of a major fish processing center including cold storage, transportation, and unused plant capacity.

Once this bill passes, and the infrastructure is in place, there is no reason not to expect a significant portion of lobsters sent to Canada from Maine would instead be diverted to New Bedford for further processing.

Sales of frozen lobster and lobster parts, such as scored claws, appear to be growing faster than sales of live lobster in the US market.  Developing a robust lobster processing industry in Massachusetts would accelerate this trend.

This story was originally published by SeafoodNews.com, a subscription site. It is reprinted with permission. 

MASSACHUSETTS: Senate Lawmakers Propose Bill to Expand Lobster Processing

January 9, 2019 — The following was released by the Office of State Senator Bruce Tarr:

Without reform, the state’s lobster laws are confounding consumers and the multi-million dollar seafood industry say a bi-partisan coalition of state Senator.  Senate Docket 1, the first bill filed in the new Senate session, authored by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester) will, according to a just released report by the Division of Marine Fisheries, result in economic benefits throughout the state’s seafood supply chain and give consumers greater access to desirable fresh seafood products at local retailers and restaurants without harm to lobster stocks.

Under existing laws, Massachusetts lobstermen and seafood vendors are required to sell or transport lobster out-of-state for processing and then bring them back for sale to consumers in the Bay State – often with a ‘Product of Canada’ label.

“Our state has the second-largest lobster catch in the country yet, without this bill, raw and frozen lobster parts are processed in Canada or Maine only to then be brought back to our local consumers,” said Senator Tarr. “This bill modernizes those lobster laws to bolster the fishing industry and give consumers, including local restaurants and food stores more choices all while sustainably supporting coastal fishing communities.”

While the sale of live, cooked, and canned lobster is legal in the state, the new law is needed to expand the industry market with the inclusion of other lobster products.  Tarr notes that the Marine Fisheries study supports lifting limits on the processing, sale, and transportation of cooked and frozen in-shell lobster parts.

The December 31 study confirms that similar changes in other jurisdictions such as Maine and Canada have resulted in the development of new businesses and the creation of new jobs throughout the seafood processing and distribution industry.  In-state lobster landings account for about 11% of the US lobster harvest and 5% globally.

“This report highlights that there is zero reason to further delay legislation to eliminate archaic restrictions on lobster processing.  I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to once again pass this bill so that businesses may finally expand and create jobs, especially in New Bedford,” said Senator Montigny, lead co-sponsor of the legislation.

Up to 80% of lobsters landed in the state are sent to out of state processing facilities and industry leaders say the move will facilitate opportunities to create and grow jobs in the state.   The Marine Fisheries report notes that the lobster demand has spiked and has continued to evolve in favor of processed lobster parts.

“The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association greatly appreciates Senator Tarr’s efforts over the last several years to modernize the lobster processing laws,” said Beth Casoni, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association.  “This bill will allow our lobstermen to be competitive on a regional and international basis and we will work to ensure the bill’s passage.

The Marine Fisheries reports that the lobster market has continued to evolve to favor processed lobster parts.  In 2016, the state’s lobster fishery landed over 18 million pounds of lobster in 46 ports worth $82 million. Modernizing the law for certified sustainable product would allow Massachusetts seafood businesses to process and sell this highly desirable certified sustainable product to Massachusetts consumers.  Chain retailers, grocery stores, warehouse clubs and online distributors will be a major beneficiary of such a law change the report says.  Many of these retailers currently sell a variety of shell-on lobster parts at their non-Massachusetts locations throughout the United States.

“I am glad to join my colleagues in the Senate in support of our Massachusetts lobster fishermen,” said Senator deMacedo (R-Plymouth). “These advancements in our approach to lobster processing will provide an important benefit to the lobster industry and the fishermen who play such an important role in our communities and economy.”

“This bill works to ensure the sustainability and viability of the state’s lobster industry, which will benefit consumers and lobstermen in coastal communities statewide,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport).  “The lobster industry is a vital part of the Commonwealth’s economy and identity.  I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to support it.”

The lobster industry is a critical part of the Commonwealth’s economy and heritage.  A similar law in Maine has boosted that state’s economy, produced local outlets for product sales, and created jobs.  During the most recent ten years US landings have doubled from 80 million pounds to 159 million pounds annually.

Read the full release here

MASSACHUSETTS: Seafood auction plans to reopen Tuesday

September 5, 2018 — The Cape Ann Seafood Exchange expects to resume landing fish Tuesday, almost two weeks after the U.S. Labor Department effectively shuttered the business by seizing its bank accounts because of unpaid court-ordered damages.

Kristian Kristensen, the owner of the fish auction on 27 Harbor Loop, said Thursday night that he had received final paper work from Labor Department officials that unfroze his business and personal bank accounts.

“Now we can start putting things back in order, pay some people and hopefully start landing fish again on Tuesday, the day after the holiday,” Kristensen said. “That’s the plan.”

Kristensen credited the assistance of U.S. Rep Seth Moulton’s office, state Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr and state Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante in helping mediate a new consent order and payment schedule with the Labor Department.

“I’d have to say they’re at least 70 percent responsible for getting this done,” Kristensen said. “Without their help, this probably wouldn’t have happened.”

The seizure of the bank accounts stemmed from a 2016 lawsuit filed by the Labor Department against Kristensen and his two businesses, Cape Ann Seafood Exchange and Zeus Packing Inc., both at 27 Harbor Loop. The lawsuit sought $407,996 — $203,998 in unpaid back wages owed about 130 employees and an equal amount in liquidated damages.

Read the full story at the Gloucester Daily Times

Progress Toward Massachusetts Senator Bruce Tarr’s Plan to Expand Lobster Processing Backed by Massachusetts State Senate

July 31, 2018 — BOSTON — The following was released by the Office of Massachusetts Senator Bruce Tarr:

The State Senate today gave final legislative approval to a plan that requires the Division of Marine Fisheries to complete a study of the current lobster fishery and provide a recommendation as to the advisability of enacting statutory or regulatory changes to allow the processing of lobster parts in Massachusetts.  The report, will “provide a recommendation as to the advisability of enacting statutory and regulatory changes to allow the processing of lobster parts” for sale in the Commonwealth, is mandated to be issued before the end of the year.

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester) successfully sponsored an amendment to direct the Division of Marine Fisheries to implement new regulations permitting on-shore processing of lobsters as part of the Senate’s environmental legislation, an act Promoting Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental And Natural Resource Protection, And Investment In Recreational Assets And Opportunity.

“I believe this study will confirm that our state, which has the second-largest lobster catch in the country, should be processing raw and frozen lobster parts in state rather than sending them to Canada or Maine only to have them brought back for our local consumers,” said Senator Tarr. “We are making progress on modernizing our lobster laws to bolster the fishing industry; give consumers, including local restaurants and food stores, more choices and better values and support coastal fishing communities.”

While the sale of live, cooked, and canned lobster is legal in the state, the legislation will expand the industry market with the inclusion of other lobster products. The amendment could permit wholesale dealers licensed by the Department of Public Health to process unfrozen lobsters, import unfrozen shell-on lobster parts and tails, and allow for the retail of previously frozen raw in-shell tails.

Tarr notes that the study could result in lifting limits on the processing, sale, and transportation of cooked and frozen in-shell lobster parts. Under existing laws, Massachusetts lobstermen and seafood vendors are required to sell or transport lobster out-of-state for processing and then bring them back for sale to consumers in the bay state – often with a ‘Product of Canada’ label.

Following a successful study, which will include an economic and market analysis, potential impacts and benefits, and an assessment of potential state and federal law enforcement issues, the Division of Marine Fisheries will make statutory recommendation.

Up to 80% of lobsters landed in the state are sent to out of state processing facilities.  Industry leaders say the move will facilitate opportunities to create and grow jobs in the state.

Tarr expressed appreciation for coastal Senators Mark Montigny (D- New Bedford),Vinny deMacedo (R- Plymouth), and Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport) for their efforts to strengthen the industry and in supporting the legislation.

The lobster industry is a critical part of the Commonwealth’s economy and heritage.  A similar law in Maine has boosted that state’s economy, produced local outlets for product sales, and created jobs.

Learn more at Tarr Talk

 

MASSACHUSETTS: Whale safety cited as state Senate votes to ban plastic bags

July 16, 2018 — The Massachusetts Senate went on record again in favor of a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags with sponsors pointing to the harm such bags have done to whales.

The Senate then rejected a proposal that Minority Leader Bruce Tarr of Gloucester said was intended to reduce the risk of sea mammal entanglement.

Debating an environmental bond bill Thursday, the Senate adopted a Sen. Jamie Eldridge amendment to ban stores from providing single-use carryout bags to customers at the point of sale starting in August 2019. Speaking on the amendment, Eldridge mentioned a whale that died in Thailand in June and was found to have 80 plastic bags in its stomach.

“There is no need for our sea life or wildlife to have such an ending of their lives,” Eldridge said.

Sen. Cynthia Creem also spoke in favor of the amendment, holding up a photo of a whale and pointing senators to the internet to find examples of other animals dying as a result of plastic bag waste.

“If we care not only about our environment but we care about those that live in the ocean and we care about our children and our future, we cannot have these plastic bags strewn around,” Creem said.

Read the full story at the Gloucester Daily Times

MASSACHUSETTS: Senate Support For Fishing And Farming Secured in Environment Bond Bill

July 16, 2018 — The following was released by the Office of State Senator Bruce Tarr:

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr today successfully championed the adoption of a legislative proposal to stimulate and support an expansion of fishing and farming in Massachusetts. The Gloucester Republican obtained support from his Senate collogues in adding the measure as an amendment to the Senate’s environmental bond bill.

The amendment supports two major food producing industries by creating two innovation funds, one for fishing the other for agriculture, and each is designed to foster economic growth and sustainability by prioritizing the awarding of grants and technical assistance to fuel energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, expand sustainable practices, promote access to safety equipment, stimulate research and development, and make greater use of local food processing.

“All across our Commonwealth we are seeing a rise in interest in conserving and protecting our natural resources,” said Tarr. “The professionals that we rely on to harvest and produce our food need our assistance more than ever. We can help these businesses to survive while creating sustainable environments for them to grow.”

The bill establishes funding mechanisms which will distribute grants to support farming and commercial fisheries in order that they may accelerate the direct application of recent advances in technology, food processing techniques, and changing market conditions.

“I want to thank Senator Tarr and my colleagues in the Senate for their hard work on this important issue,” said Senator Vinny deMacedo (R-Plymouth). “I represent many coastal communities who rely not only on our fishing industry as an economic engine but are also the home of many cranberry growers who have provided food and stability for our Commonwealth over many generations. I look forward to continuing to work with them to support and encourage the growth and prosperity of their industry.”

“Hardworking fishermen and farmers have played a pivotal role in our economy for generations,” said Rules Chairman Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford). “I am pleased to join Senator Tarr on this bipartisan effort to better support our local fishing and agricultural industries so that they may continue to strengthen our economy in the face of increasing pressure and burdensome regulations.”

Each fund will be supported by an advisory committee appointed by Governor Charlie Baker and comprised of experts and industry leaders from diverse geographic locations and industry perspectives. The Commercial Fishing Advisory Committee will include experts in marine sciences and will include representatives who fish with different gear types including trawls, hooks, gillnets, and traps; the panel will be led by the Director of the Division of Marine Fisheries.

“For centuries, our economy has relied upon productive use of agriculture and the harvesting of food from the ocean,” said Senator Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport). “The men and women who engage in these occupations work hard and what they do makes a difference to all of us who want the freshest and best food available. Now we can support their efforts by helping keep their equipment and processes safe, efficient and productive.”

A 13 member panel of farmers representing horticulture, crop raising, cranberry growing, dairy farming, and the livestock raising sectors of the state will be supported by the Department of Agricultural Resources under provisions of the bill.

“We lead the nation in public and private marine research and our contributions to the country’s agricultural heritage are renowned; it’s vital that we support these industries, which go all the way back to our colonial history,” said Tarr. “Farmers and fishermen work hard, we should support them with and by connecting them with resources to help them prosper and grow.”

According to a report by UMass Dartmouth, the state’s maritime economy is responsible for more than 90,000 jobs. The report points to the need for infrastructure improvement to expand capacity and growth. With 2,000 miles of coastline, annual sales of fish and other seafood in Massachusetts top more than $2 Billion.

The state also claims more than 8,000 farms which produce more than 16,000 jobs. Agricultural activity ranging from dairy farming, cranberry growing, fruit and vegetable farming, and raising livestock and poultry take place over hundreds of thousands of acres requiring vast resources to operate efficiently and effectively.

Massachusetts could boost dredging projects

July 12, 2018 — Sediment is piling up on the bottoms of rivers and harbors, putting cities and towns on Cape Ann and elsewhere into a multimillion-dollar bind.

State and federal funding for local dredging has dried up in recent decades, forcing local officials to dig into reserves or borrow money to remove silt in order to make their waterways deep enough for boats to navigate.

Gov. Charlie Baker has pitched a new program — with $50 million in grant money — to help coastal communities pay for dredging as part of a more than $660 million economic development proposal, which cleared the state House of Representatives late Tuesday.

The measure still needs approval from the state Senate.

Under Baker’s plan, communities would compete for matching grants and be required to cover half the costs of each project.

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, said the money would go a long way because many communities along the coast haven’t dredged in decades. In many instances, he said, silting is making waterways less navigable.

Read the full story at the Gloucester Daily Times

Massachusetts state senate supports new lobster processing rules

May 31, 2018 — The Massachusetts, U.S.A., state senate adopted an amendment on 25 May that would lift limits on lobster processing, sale, and transportation within the state.

Currently, lobstermen and seafood vendors in Massachusetts are required to send lobster out of state for processing, then ship it back in to sell within the state again. Roughly 80 percent of lobster landed inside the state is then sent out of state for processing.

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) sponsored the measure, which received unanimous support.

“Massachusetts has the second-largest lobster catch in the country, to keep from being left behind we should expand our ability to process raw and frozen lobster parts. American lobsters are being harvested here and should be prepared for market here instead of Canada or Maine,” said Senator Tarr. “The net effect of modernizing the law will bolster local economic activity and give local restaurants and food stores superior access to the best lobster parts for their customers.”

The amendment, which will affect the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget bill, will direct the state’s Division of Marine Fisheries to change the regulations to allow on-shore processing of lobsters, in addition to assessing whether the new regulations would harm the state’s lobster stock or sustainability.

Read the full story at Seafood Source

 

Massachusetts: Lobster processing bill OK’d by Senate

May 29, 2018 — For the second time in as many years, state Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr has convinced the Senate to include in its $41.49 billion budget a plan to expand in-state processing of raw and frozen lobster parts.

The question now is whether — unlike 2017 — the measure will remain in the final budget.

The Tarr-sponsored measure, adopted by the Senate on Thursday night as an amendment to the fiscal 2019 budget bill, would direct the state Division of Marine Fisheries to implement new regulations that permit on-shore lobster processing “after an assessment of whether such activity would harm the lobster stock or the sustainability of the state’s commercial lobster industry.”

Tarr and the plan’s supporters, which include Democratic senators from other coastal communities, would eliminate what they described as “outdated restrictions on lobster processing and sales.”

Under the current law, the sale of live, cooked and canned lobster is legal in Massachusetts, as is the processing and sale of frozen, cooked lobster tails.

But the existing law prohibits lobstermen and seafood vendors from selling, processing or transporting other forms of lobster in-state for processing, forcing them to ship the lobster or lobster parts to processors in Maine and Canada.

Under the proposed amendment, wholesale dealers licensed by the state Department of Public Health would be able to process raw lobsters, import raw, shell-on lobster parts and tails and allow retail sales of previously frozen raw, in-shell tails.

“Massachusetts has the second largest lobster catch in the country,” Tarr said in a statement. “To keep from being left behind, we should expand our ability to process raw and frozen lobster parts. American lobsters are being harvested here and should be prepared for market here instead of Canada or Maine.”

The expansion of allowed processing practices, according to Tarr, would enhance local economies in Massachusetts coastal communities such as Gloucester, which is the state’s most lucrative lobster port, and provide local restaurants and food stores with “superior access to the best lobster parts for their customers.”

Read the full story at the Gloucester Times