September 13, 2012 — Acting U.S. Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank declared a commercial fishery failure in the Northeast groundfish fishery for the May 1, 2013 fishing season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Thursday.
The declaration makes it possible for Congress to appropriate money to relieve the financial hardship to fishermen caused by the fishery disaster. If money is appropriated, NOAA will work closely with Congress and affected states to develop plans to assist coastal communities.
In the past, local fishermen view the declaration with mixed results. Many believe NOAA’s data is incorrect and overdramatized because figures are not reflected with what they see on the open ocean. Many fishermen have already stated that they do not want a handout, just the opportunity to fish.
Much of the Rhode Island fishing community are members of the American Alliance of Fishermen and their Communities and the Rhode Island Fishermen’s Alliance. Richard L. Fuka, president of the alliance, declined comment on the news until receiving more detailed information.
Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee issued a request to the U.S. Department of Commerce, seeking the declaration on Aug. 24. The following day, the state’s four Congressional delegates followed suit.
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