January 7, 2012 — Fewer fish are being caught off New England coastlines. And it's affecting the bottom line of small businesses in the Pioneer Valley.
Northampton's Webster's Fish Hook has been in business for the better part of 28 years. Its owners say, when it comes to the supply of local fresh fish, they've never seen a year like this one.
Haddock and Cod are two of the most consumed fish among seafood lovers in New England. “Frequently we go and we do buy salmon, shrimp, cod, haddock,” said Denise Robinson of East Longmeadow.
They're so popular, this past Christmas Eve, Northampton's Webster's Fish Hook sold 200 pounds of haddock. But new reports show cod and haddock stocks in New England are depleting and harder to find.
“It's been a challenge lately getting good fresh fish especially haddock and cod. The prices have really soared recently. Due in fact to a couple of different reasons, one because of the new regulations in place and two because there really isn't as much fish there as there used to be,” said owner Dan Webster.