The following statement from New England Fishery Council Chairman John Pappalardo was released by the Council press office.
NEWBURYPORT, MA – New England Fishery Management Council Chairman John Pappalardo issues the following statement concerning Framework Adjustment 21 to the Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan and the Council’s January 2010 meeting agenda.
“I appreciate the concerns of all the parties who have weighed in on Framework 21 to the Scallop Fishery Management Plan. I have determined that the most appropriate way to address the issues identified by the scallop industry, the state of Massachusetts and elected officials is to have a discussion at the January 26-28 Council meeting in Portsmouth, NH.
Specifically, a review and possible reconsideration of the Framework 21 decision will be held on Wednesday, January 27 at 8:30 a.m. Because of the interactions between the Scallop and Groundfish Management Plans and pending the Council’s decision, Groundfish Framework Adjustment 44 and the allocation of yellowtail flounder to the scallop fleet might also need to be reconsidered at this time.
I believe this is a constructive means to move forward and preserves the integrity of the fishery management process while creating an important opportunity for public participation and input. The revised agenda will allow the entire Council to discuss and vote on this issue. I believe this solution satisfies both the Council process and the scallop industry.”
RESPONSES FROM GOVERNMENT & INDUSTRY from Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick: "I thank Chairman John Pappalardo for his sensitivity to the impact a cutback in scallop fishing would have on our fishermen, their families and the region and appreciate his responsiveness to my request that, given these challenging economic times and the complex science considerations involved, the Council reconsider. I greatly respect his and the Council's commitment to sound science and fair regulation in managing our precious fish resource, and look forward to the results of the Council's upcoming discussion."
RESPONSES FROM GOVERNMENT & INDUSTRY from Congressman Barney Frank: “I was appreciative of today’s announcement by the Chairman of the New England Fishery Management to include a review and possible reconsideration of final measures of Scallop Framework 21 to the Atlantic scallop fishery management plan on its January 26-28 agenda. I greatly appreciate Governor Patrick’s leadership in working with the Chairman on this critical issue, and I believe a strong scientific case will be made to the full Council that will lead to a reconsideration of their November vote."
RESPONSES FROM GOVERNMENT & INDUSTRY from New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang: “I want to thank Congressman Frank and Governor Patrick for their intervention and advocacy for New Bedford in this most important fisheries issue. Chairman John Pappalardo has made the correct decision to reopen the Council process. I look forward to the full Council reconsidering Framework 21. I am confident that a careful balance between conservation goals and economic impact will lead to a more appropriate regulation on the scallop fishery. Further, I am sure the yellow tail issue can be resolved in a manner that protects the species without unnecessarily disrupting the scallop industry.”
RESPONSES FROM GOVERNMENT & INDUSTRY from The Fisheries Survival Fund: The Fisheries Survival Fund "welcomed the announcement by the New England Fishery Management Council to reconsider its decision to restrict fishing opportunities for the Atlantic sea scallop fishery in 2010. FSF applauds Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and his administration, as well as Congressman Barney Frank and his congressional colleagues, and New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang, for their leadership and dedication on this issue." In a formal statement, the group said: “Atlantic sea scallop fishermen and their families congratulate the Council for taking this important step to reconsider its decision to place new restrictions on scallop fishing,” said FSF. “We commend also Governor Patrick’s continued commitment to addressing this critical issue, and we look forward to continuing to work with his Administration, the City of New Bedford and leaders in the U.S. House and Senate, as well as the Council, to resolve this critical matter in a positive, responsible, and timely manner.”