For the past 10 years, the New England Fisheries Management Council has been well served by a long-time Cape fisherman. John Pappalardo, CEO of the Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fisherman's Association, has served on the multi-state board with distinction.
Because of term limits, however, Pappalardo must step down this spring.
Fortunately, Tom Dempsey, policy director for the hook fisherman's association, has been nominated to replace Pappalardo. He has earned the support of the entire Cape and Islands legislative delegation as well as many fishing organizations, both commercial and recreational.
If Dempsey is not selected to replace Pappalardo, the Cape's population of commercial fishermen, which derive their living from the sea, will be disenfranchised from the decision-making process that most affects their lives.
Currently, no other council member that represents commercial fishing interests is based on the Cape, which has a unique small day-boat fishery. The fishery requires a different set of considerations from the larger off-shore fleets based in Gloucester and New Bedford.
Read the complete story from The Cape Cod Times.