Richard Gaines, the Times' staff writer whose investigative coverage of the fishing industry, the federal regulations that govern it, and the genesis of government policy and science behind them, has been honored — along with the Times itself — with one of the New England commercial fishing's most prestigious awards.
Gaines and the Times were honored Sunday in New Bedford with the Offshore Mariners' Wives "Friend of the Fishermen" award, presented as part of New Bedford's annual Blessing of the Fleet that highlights that city's Working Waterfront Festival.
The awards drew applause Sunday from more than 100 fishermen and fishing activists, and a stage of guests that included state Attorney General Martha Coakley and New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang.
The honor marks the first time the award has ever gone to any journalist or media outlet, with past winners including several people within the fishing industry and Congressman Barney Frank, who again is in a lead role in fighting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's regulatory policies and enforcement. The award presented to Gaines and the Times also marked the first time it has been presented to someone outside the greater New Bedford community.
In accepting the award on behalf of the Times, Editor Ray Lamont told the audience at the New Bedford State Pier that "we are absolutely humbled by this award."
Read the complete story from The Gloucester Times.