Conservation Law Foundation and Earthjustice File Lawsuit Opposing NOAA's Efforts to "soften the blow of quota cuts"

For the second time this week, NOAA has been sued — this time twice — by two environmental groups troubled by relaxation of fishing rules aimed at helping fishermen struggling under severe groundfish catch limits.

(New Bedford Standard-Times) June 1, 2013 — In U.S. District Court suits filed in Washington, D.C., the Conservation Law Foundation and Earthjustice maintain that the National Marine Fisheries Service went too far when fishery regulators approved both the reopening of two closed groundfish conservation areas and the carryover of some unused catch permits to ease the effect of sharp cutbacks in quota for cod, haddock and yellowtail flounder.

The environmental groups had registered their complaints about the closed areas during meetings of the New England Fishery Management Council earlier this year.

Later, NOAA Fisheries Regional Administrator John Bullard announced the permit carry-over change with little or no vocal opposition.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times

Comments from NOAA's John Bullard on the fishing relief efforts:

In an April press release, Bullard explained that NOAA is doing everything possible to help fishermen, but these aids may only ease the crisis.

"We know that for some fishing communities that have relied heavily on cod, haddock and flounder, the next several years are going to be a struggle," said Bullard. "We've done everything we can to include measures that may help soften the blow of quota cuts, but it's going to take a collective effort to find more ways to keep both the fishery and the businesses that support it viable while these stocks recover."

Bullard continued that these aids to fishing communities will not be at the expense of environmental protection.

"In considering requests from fishing vessels to access year-round groundfish closed areas, we also want to address public concerns," said Bullard. "That's why we've been clear that areas defined as essential to protect fish spawning, feeding and breeding will remain closed and that access to other sensitive areas such as the western Gulf of Maine closure and Cashes Ledge probably won't be viable. If we do grant access to any portion of these closed areas, we want to do it in a way that is both responsible and sustainable, so spawning fish, vulnerable groundfish stocks, habitat, and protected species are not put at risk."

Now CLF and Earthjustice are opposing these relief efforts, the only help provided to struggling fishing communities.

Read the full NOAA press release

For more information: