Executive Director Bob Vanasse interviewed Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren on efforts to bring relief to New England fishermen through provisions in the FY14 Senate Appropriations bill.
When asked about the bill, Senator Warren said that "it is vitally important that we support our fishermen" and that managers "need a two-pronged approach that provides immediate assistance to fishing families in the short term, coupled with the programs and policies that are going to help our communities in the long term"
The bill, if approved by the House, would provide $150 million in relief funding for fisheries disasters and also includes provisions that will expand available resources for fishery science and cooperative research efforts.
Senator Warren also discussed a provision directing that 10 percent of revenues from seafood import duties under the 1954 Saltonstall-Kennedy Act be used for grants to help coastal fishing communities and industry retool and modernize their fleets, shore services, and port facilities.
Another provision directs fishery managers to dramatically expand the chartering of commercial fishing vessels to serve as research and survey vessels for fish stock assessments.
Senator Warren mentioned that fishermen helped her identify parts of these solutions and she believes these measures will "improve both the quantity and quality of fishery data." She said these actions are "finally going to incorporate the fishermen's expertise into the scientific collection process."
In the face of hardship, Senator Warren reminded those affected by the fishery disaster of the successful turnaround of the scallop industry through cooperative efforts. "The fishing industry has faced tough times before, and through innovation they have found ways not only to survive but to thrive," she said.
To that end, she reiterated that "the fishing industry is an essential part of the Commonwealth's economy and it is part of our proud traditions. We are not going to let this go."
Listen to the full interview with Senator Warren here