WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe issued the following statement today upon the release of an independent assessment of the fishery management system in New England. The study was requested by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):
“I welcome this independent review of the federal regulations governing the historic New England groundfishery, and I look forward to working with Administrator Schwaab and the New England Fisheries Management Council to consider any recommendations that will maximize the efficiency of our current management system. The report issued today clearly identifies overlapping regulations that may unnecessarily undercut the already challenging profession of New England fishermen,” said Senator Snowe, the lead Republican Senator of the Commerce subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard. “At a time when our coastal communities are struggling economically, it is imperative that federal management of our fisheries be as effective as possible, avoid unnecessary bureaucracy, and focus on building revenues as well as our resources."