NEW BEDFORD, MA – Mayor Scott Lang has released a statement in advance of the meeting of the New England Fishery Management Council to be held November 16-18, 2010 in Brewster, Massachusetts. Office of the Mayor
City Hall
New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740
Monday, November 15, 2010
Dear Council Members:
As you prepare to address a number of important issues over the next three days, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my continued stance that all discussions and deliberations related to rule making be open, transparent and public, and that proper process be implemented.
As evidenced by the public outcry last week at the Standard-Times Fishing Forum, at which National Marine Fisheries Service Chief Eric Schwaab spoke and answered questions, it is clear that many in the industry feel that the current Sector implementation of Catch Shares was forced upon them. There is great frustration that the requirement for an industry referendum — as detailed in the Magnuson Act before an Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) system may be imposed — was averted.
[Editor's note, the Standard-Times issued this editorial, calling for a complete review of fisheries rules and catch share / sector system policies in the wake of the forum.]
Too many times, it has been unclear to members of industry, academics, and elected officials how various alternatives were put before the Council.
This has been exacerbated by the fact that Council staff and NOAA staff have exerted too great an influence in determining outcomes.
It is because of this lack of transparency, and a failure to adhere to law and process, that I called for an Inspector General investigation of the rule making process in its entirety. I am pleased that Gloucester Mayor Carolyn Kirk has joined me in that request.
Of course, there have been times when issues have been openly and fairly debated in public, and proper procedure and process was adhered to. The debate and decision on stacking and leasing in the scallop industry, addressed at the September 29 meeting in Newport is an example. After hearing from all parties, state and local, pro and con, the council voted. I commend the Council for its openness in that action, and urge continued transparency.
I would remind the Council that, as noted on all Council agendas, Council actions are restricted to those issues specifically listed in the published agenda — except for emergency action under section 305 (c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act — and even then the public must be notified of the Council's intent to take action to address the emergency.
The agenda item pertaining to setting of priorities should not be used to revisit settled matters.
I trust the Council will, at its meetings in Brewster, address only issues published in the meeting agenda as made public on its website, and will conduct its work in an open, transparent and public manner.
Respectfully,
Scott W. Lang
Mayor
City of New Bedford, Massachusetts