April 9, 2018 — NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Two computer screens lit Richie Canastra’s windowless office. The co-owner of BASE (Buyers and Sellers Seafood Exchange) seafood auction scrolled through scores of financial data associated with commercial fishing landings at 62 Hassey St.

The numbers that starred back since NOAA implemented a groundfishing ban last November tell a dark story in an industry already struggling to survive.

“With the ban, if we’re not up and fishing by May 1, you might as well just call (groundfishing in New Bedford) over,” Canastra said.

In the four months since NOAA revoked the operational plan for 14 groundfishing vessels, landings at the auction are down 25 percent. With only seven groundfish vessels still fishing from New Bedford, auctions have decreased from daily occurrences to two or three a week.

Prices of fish have also plummeted by an average of 41 cents or 25 percent, he said.

The numbers that flashed on the screen dictated BASE was generating less revenue in the past, but the hardships extended further than BASE.

In speaking with various shore side industry along the Port of New Bedford, the Standard-Times learned BASE’s story isn’t unique. Businesses like Crystal Ice, New Bedford Ship Supply, Southwick Marine Insurance to name a few endure the same financial strain. Even across the port into Fairhaven, businesses like Harbor Hydraulics share in the hardships.

“We’re one company. An ice company. I don’t know how many companies are involved within one fishing vessel. You have fuel. You have ice. You have gear. You have groceries. Right down to the groceries,” said Robe Hicks, the manager of Crystal Ice. “It’s so widespread it’s not even funny.”

The ban stems from the penalties former NOAA Regional Administrator John Bullard implemented against the sector to which Carlos Rafael’s vessels belonged. Rafael is serving a 46-month prison sentence for falsifying fishing quota, tax evasion and bulk cash smuggling.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times