WASHINGTON – 18 signers of the "industry letter" sent to Congress on November 14th say "it has become clear that some ENGOs, members of industry, and members of the press have misinterpreted the letter's intent."
The fishermen stated "the letter was not meant to champion a national catch share agenda, and it is simply wrong for anyone to suggest that it does."
The letter was submitted to Saving Seafood by Mr. Frank Patania who signed the orginal letter. The text of the letter follows:
In the weeks since the "industry letter" (dated November 14th) was sent to the New England Congressional delegation, it has become clear that some ENGOs, some members of industry, and some members of the press have misinterpreted the letter's intent.
Therefore, we are writing today to clarify the reason we were and remain compelled to support the industry letter.
First, the letter was not meant to champion a national catch share agenda, and it is simply wrong for anyone to suggest that it does. Furthermore, the fishermen who signed the letter are dozens of active fishermen who are pro catch share, anti catch share, and everything in between.
Here is what we do share in common – a financial dependence on the groundfish resource, and a full understanding that the only available alternative to the sector management system – that is low allocations of days at sea, differential days at sea counting, gear restricted areas, no access to rolling closures, and very low trip limits -would bankrupt us all.
Since sector management of New England groundfish was implemented in May, 2010 we have focused on making the system work. That has been no easy task.
Our letter is a plea by a diverse cross-section of the active fleet for regulatory stability.
Until there is a change in the law, and/or relaxation of rebuilding requirements, sector management is what we have.
Our letter is a respectful request to lawmakers to be mindful of the realities associated with the groundfish fishery and an appeal to those lawmakers to work collaboratively with us, our industry associations, and the New England Fishery Management Council to improve the existing system and to hold off on any radical changes until the majority of the active groundfish fishermen advise otherwise.
Sincerely,
Frank Patania – Boston, MA
Louis Williams – Gloucester, MA
Gus Sanfillippo – Gloucester, MA
Dennis Robillard – Eliot, ME
Matthew Carter – Gloucester, MA
Terry Alexander – Portland, ME
Russell Sherman – Gloucester, MA
Carlos Alberto – New Bedford, MA
Michael Russo – Provincetown, MA
Tory Bramante – Boston, MA
Michael Leary – Gloucester, MA
Carlos Raphael – New Bedford, MA
Antonio Caneira – New Bedford, MA
Al Cottone – Gloucester, MA
Christopher Brown – Point Judith, RI
Joseph Orlando – Gloucester, MA
William McCann – Wareham, MA
Michael Walsh – Boston, MA