Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown have joined Congressmen Barney Frank, John Tierney, and William Delahunt in writing Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to ask that he take action on Governor Patrick's letter and Report on Economic and Scientific Conditions in the Massachusetts Multispecies Groundfishery which, according to the Members, revealed the existence of an economic emergency requiring immediate action.
The Congressmen and Senators wrote: "We support Governor Patrick's request that you use your authority to act swiftly to issue emergency regulations revising catch limits to higher levels that remain consistent with conservation requirements. Additionally, as the report demonstrates, in order to survive the current economic crisis and the regulatory and management changes taking place in the fishery, immediate direct economic assistance is needed. The requested economic assistance will aid in assuaging the direct, unforeseen, negative impact caused by the transition to catch shares."
The text of the letter follows:
November 18, 2010
The Honorable Gary Locke
Secretary
U.S. Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20230
Dear Secretary Locke:
Thank you again for your attention and commitment to improving conditions for the fishermen throughout the state of Massachusetts. We are committed to preserving and promoting our fishing industry and to alleviating the pressures currently facing our fishermen and their families and look forward to working with you to quickly address these pressing concerns.
Accordingly, we write to you in support of Governor Patrick's letter and its corresponding Report on Economic and Scientific Conditions in the Massachusetts Multispecies Groundfishery dated November 5, 2010. The findings of this thorough report reveal the existence of an economic emergency requiring immediate action.
We support Governor Patrick's request that you use your authority to act swiftly to issue emergency regulations revising catch limits to higher levels that remain consistent with conservation requirements. Additionally, as the report demonstrates, in order to survive the current economic crisis and the regulatory and management changes taking place in the fishery, immediate direct economic assistance is needed. The requested economic assistance will aid in assuaging the direct, unforeseen, negative impact caused by the transition to catch shares.
Thank you for your continued attention and commitment to rapidly implementing reforms to address this emergency. We look forward to working together in a fiscally responsible manner to restore the vitality of our fishing communities at this critical time.
Sincerely,
John F. Kerry, U.S. Senator
Scott P. Brown, U.S. Senator
Barney Frank, Member of Congress
John F. Tierney, Member of Congress
William Delahunt, Member of Congress