Governor to file amicus brief in support of lawsuit against policy
Says limits are unduly severe, preparation for new policy was lacking; and science is inadequate
BOSTON – June 14, 2010 – Ian Bowles, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick's Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Environmental Affairs issued the following statement"
"Governor Patrick's predominant concern is the economic impact of the simultaneous imposition of lower federal catch limits and the transition to the catch shares management regime. He intends to participate in the lawsuit by filing an amicus brief detailing his view that the federal catch limits are unduly severe and the preparation for catch shares inadequate," said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles. "At Governor Patrick's direction, our agencies have begun to monitor the economic impact of these new federal regulations and evaluate options for seeking economic relief for the Massachusetts groundfishing industry if warranted. Governor Patrick believes the root problem in fisheries management is inadequate science, and he has directed me and my agencies to continue working closely with the fishing industry, our Congressional delegation, and federal agencies to improve the science behind federal fishing regulation through research into improved fishing gear and better assessments of fish stocks."
For background on the lawsuit, see Barney Frank to file Amicus Brief against Obama policy in support of lawsuit