January 17, 2014 — The following was released by the Associated Fisheries of Maine, the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance, the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association, and the Northeast Seafood Coalition:
Yesterday evening, the U.S. Senate approved the FY2014 omnibus spending bill, which included $75 million in funding for fisheries disaster assistance. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives had done the same. The New England fishery for iconic, bottom-dwelling species such as cod and haddock was declared a disaster by Acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank on September 13, 2012, but no funds had yet been made available.
The New England congressional delegation, supported by the governors of each state, has been leading efforts to secure $100 million in disaster relief funds for New England's struggling groundfish fleet and communities. The entire delegation of New England lawmakers signed onto a letter in November 2013 and again earlier this month, urging Congressional leaders to include this disaster assistance in the FY2014 Omnibus Appropriations bill.
Commercial fishermen from throughout New England welcome this news as an essential piece of the puzzle to build solutions for the industry's future.
"I would like to thank all of the Congressmen and Senators who went to bat to deliver relief to the New England fishing industry during these tough times," said fisherman John Tuttle, f/v Cuda out of Chatham. "We really need these funds to help out the struggling groundfish fleet."
"This support couldn't come at a better time after the difficult year Maine fishermen had," said fisherman Randy Cushman, f/v Ella Christine from Port Clyde. "We want to thank our Maine and New England delegation for all the effort they have put into supporting our groundfishing fleet. This isn't going to solve all the problems that exist in our fishery, but hopefully it can have a positive impact for those struggling in our fishing communities."
"The commercial fishing industry will never forget the dedication and hard work of members of Congress to secure the disaster aid for our fishery," said fisherman Al Cottone, f/v Sabrina Maria of Gloucester. "We look forward to working closely with Congress in the days ahead to ensure those monies get distributed to those business which are at the center of this disaster."