April 29, 2015 — The following was released by the office of Congressman William Keating (MA-9):
Today, Rep. Bill Keating and Rep. Frank Guinta (R-NH) reintroduced the Fisheries Investment and Regulatory Relief Act, a bipartisan bill that would redirect more than $100 million that has already been collected from duties on imported fish products. This legislation would ensure that these existing funds go directly toward research, monitoring and management of our fisheries, while incorporating input from the stakeholders who know this resource best.
“I am proud to join Rep. Guinta in reintroducing this important piece of legislation,” said Rep. Bill Keating, who represents the fishing communities of Southeastern Massachusetts. “Our bill, as we have supported in previous Congresses, is a simple, common-sense step to ensure that fishermen from New Bedford to Provincetown receive the full balance of funds available to them under the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act grant program. Just today, I met with fishermen from my district to discuss their priorities for fisheries management. Again and again, I hear that there remains a need for better data. Increased resources invested in scientific research – with direct input from our fishermen – is necessary throughout the industry. As we move forward with this bill and other legislative efforts to support the needs of our fishing industry, I will continue to identify additional opportunities for our fishermen to have a seat at the table.”
“The bipartisan Fisheries Investment and Regulatory Relief Act is a crucial step in strengthening New Hampshire’s historical fishing industry during this difficult period in the industry,” said Rep. Guinta. “Granite State fishermen deserve the resources necessary to assist with their jobs, cope with government mandates and increase their revenue. This is one of many of my bipartisan solutions to help alleviate the challenges our state’s fishermen face.”