NEW BEDFORD, MA (January 15, 2009) – Fishermen and conservationistsappear equally outraged by a proposed rule that would severely cut theamount of groundfishing allowed during the 2009 season.
The interim proposal, announced Wednesday by federal fishing regulators, is an effort to reduce overfishing and meet rebuilding guidelines for diminished stocks. Local fishing representatives argue that the measures will force small-scale fishermen out of the industry with an 18 percent reduction in already-limited fishing days and a counting scheme that will charge them two days for each day fished in Southern New England waters and a vast portion of the Gulf of Maine. Additional measures include the closure of certain fishing grounds in Southern New England and a ban on the landing of three fish stocks: ocean pout, northern windowpane and Southern New England winter flounder. Read the SouthCoastToday.com story in full