Deval Patrick today urged Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to 1) exercise his authority to issue emergency regulations to revise catch limits to higher levels that are still consistent with conservation requirements (by at least 30% for many species); and 2) formally requested $21 million in direct economic relief in response to a fishery resources disaster as specified under Sections 312(a) and 315 of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. The $21M economic impact resulted from an initial quota misallocation and an ineffectively functioning catch share market. BOSTON – Nov. 5, 2010 – Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick today has provided Commerce Secretary Gary Locke with scientific and economic information that could support the exercise of his emergency authority in response to current fishing industry conditions in Massachusetts.
In a letter dated October 14 the Secretary told Governor Patrick and Congressman Barney Frank that he was "prepared to issue an emergency regulation to revise catch limits whenever there is both sufficient economic and sound scientific data" to support such an action.
The Governor's report was developed by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, in conjunction with the University of Massachusetts School for Marine Science and Technology, the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Institute, the Massachusetts Congressional delegation and the mayors of New Bedford and Gloucester. According to its authors, the report's findings demonstrate the existence of an economic disaster and meet the necessary criteria for emergency action to raise catch limits while maintaining conservation goals.
The Governor asks the Secretary to:
1. Exercise his authority to issue emergency regulations to revise catch limits to higher levels that are still consistent with conservation requirements. The report argues that there exists scientific justification to raise catch limits by at least 30% for most species while still remaining within conservation bounds. The report identifies approximately $19 million of lost economic opportunity in Massachusetts due to catch limits that were set at the lowest end of allowable ranges.
2. Provide $21 million in direct economic relief for the impact caused by the transition to catch shares. The report demonstrates a direct economic impact of $21 million because he initial quota allocation left two-thirds of the fleet with 50% to 60% lower allocation than they had in prior years, and because the broader market is not functioning, and has resulted in the inability of fishermen to buy, sell and lease shares.
Read the letter from Governor Patrick
Read the complete report as sent to Commerce Secretary Gary Locke