"Today and going forward, Congress and the agency must find a way to address one of the most pressing problems facing this fishery—the cost of at-sea monitoring. NOAA Fisheries must acknowledge the Council’s clear message regarding at-sea monitoring costs and commit to identifying a monitoring strategy that is appropriate for the needs of this fishery, provides accurate catch accounting and is cost-effective in both the short- and long-term.
"It is time we gave the fishing industry reason to expect more from the federal government. NOAA Fisheries must offer a clear vision, simplified regulations and straightforward communications so that these small businesses, upon which thousands of additional shoreside jobs depend, can thrive. While I commend the agency on the efforts they have already undertaken, as outlined by the Regional Administrator and Acting Director of the Northeast Fishery Science Center at this week’s New England Fishery Management Council meeting, it is absolutely vital that we continue to focus on how we can support these critical small businesses. Fishery management plans have adverse impacts on vessels of all types and sizes in all ports and coastal states, so we must take pragmatic steps to set us on the right course and keep hardworking fishermen on the water.
Read the complete release from Senator Snowe's Office