Peter Baker of Pew Environment and Peter Shelley of the Conservation Law Foundation have written to Massachusetts Senator John Kerry expressing support for the "spirit" of the recent Congressional request to the Commerce Secretary to allow a one-time quota rollover that exceeds the 10% allowed in the current plan.
The two environmental group leaders made two requests in the letter "First, we urge you and the Secretary of Commerce to engage the Northeast Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, in a rapid analysis of this proposal to determine what level of rollover is scientifically sound and will offer maximum relief without compromising stock rebuilding and the longer-term future of the fishery. Second, we request the opportunity to meet with your staff, and the Commerce Department, to discuss your idea and to help ensure that it optimally supports smaller-scale fishermen while continuing the recovery of overfished populations of fish."
Read the letter to Sen. Kerry.