BOSTON — The U.S. Commerce Secretary has ordered nearly $650,000 in unjust fines returned to Northeast fishermen, while the nation's ocean's chief apologized to the group and said the move marks a turning point in their tense relationship.
New England fishermen have complained for years of abusive treatment, retaliation and excessive fines by the nation's fishery law enforcers.
Last year, secretary Gary Locke appointed special investigator Charles Swartwood, following a report by the Commerce department's inspector general that flagged several questionable penalties against fishermen.
Swartwood has reviewed 30 cases to date, and on Tuesday Locke said he was returning money to 11 people, based on Swartwood's recommendations.
NOAA chief Jane Lubchenco said with Locke's decision "we acknowledge and rectify past mistakes."
Read the complete story by Jay Lindsay of The AP at The Sacramento Bee.