Governor Deval Patrick today sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce John E. Bryson renewing the Commonwealth’s request for $21 million in federal fisheries disaster assistance for Massachusetts fishing communities impacted by the federal “catch shares” program. The Governor’s request is accompanied by two new economic reports that document significant financial losses and dramatic consolidation in the Massachusetts-based groundfish fleet.
“Massachusetts fishermen have suffered severe economic hardship due to the implementation of the catch shares program,” said Governor Patrick. “Under the federal program, we have seen a loss of jobs, vessels and businesses. I am requesting federal disaster assistance to mitigate these losses, and protect the economic viability of our historic fishing industry.”
In November 2010, Governor Patrick made a request to the Department of Commerce asking for $21 million in direct economic relief to the Massachusetts groundfish fleet for the impact caused by the transition to the catch shares system. The Administration’s request was accompanied by a comprehensive Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Institute Report (MFI Report), which detailed the economic challenges Massachusetts fishermen have faced under catch shares.
Read the complete story at The New England Post.