Statement of Julie Wormser, New England and Mid-Atlantic Regional Director for Environmental Defense Fund’s Oceans Program on Commerce Secretary Locke’s Actions Regarding New England Fisheries Management
Boston, MA (October 14, 2010) – EDF applauds the actions of Secretary Locke today in reconfirming the Obama Administration’s commitment to science-based management of fisheries and to the conservation provisions of the Magnuson Act as outlined in his October 14, 2010 letter to Congressman Barney Frank.
Secretary Locke also advanced the prospects for improved collaboration between NOAA and the fishing industry through cooperative research, fishermen-driven data collection, and improved stock assessments as well as by holding a fisheries science summit in January of 2011 and a request to Congress for an additional $15 million nationally in funds to support these endeavors.
We also appreciate Governor Patrick's commitment to the restoration of New England’s iconic groundfish fishery as well as to a fishing industry that will not survive without healthy, sustainable fish stocks. We look forward to working with him and Secretary Locke, Administrator Lubchenco, the New England Congressional Delegation and the fishing industry to develop a better understanding of our fragile fish resource and identify the best ways to rebuild and maintain our fisheries for generations to come.