April 30, 2013 — Congressman John Tierney (D-MA) today made the following statement as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released the final catch share cuts to some of the most critical groundfish stocks in New England.
“Although not unexpected, NOAA’s decision to implement the unprecedented cuts to allowable catch of some of the most critical groundfish stocks in New England is extremely upsetting as fishermen throughout the area struggle to stay in business. Earlier this week, I joined hundreds of fishermen, advocates and lawmakers to urge the Department of Commerce to delay these cuts and personally pressed this case with senior Commerce Department and White House officials. Unfortunately, our requests were not heeded.
“In the coming days, I will continue to demand action from House Republicans, the Department of Commerce and the White House. The cuts may have been finalized but there are still short and long term solutions that can be put in place. We need to provide disaster assistance funding immediately and work to reform Magnuson Stevens to provide relief, flexibility and fairness for our fishermen. I will keep pressing this fight,” Congressman Tierney said.