GLOUCESTER, Mass. — June 25, 2014 — When it comes to fish folks, the last few months have brought an unremitting focus on the federal fish aid money that someway, someday will make its way to Gloucester and the fishermen who so desperately need it. That has allowed the issue of the re-authorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act to fly somewhat below the radar. But no more.
That new legislation which modifies and re-authorizes the act that regulates commercial fishing throughout the nation's fisheries, will be the next big battleground, with fishermen and fishing advocates on one side and the conservation lobby on the other.
In the middle, as always, are the fish.
In the House of Representatives, the bill has cleared the Committee on Natural Resources and now is before the full House. That's what makes U.S. Rep. John Tierney's visit to Gloucester next Tuesday so timely and relevant.
The Democrat representing the Massachusetts 6th Congressional District has scheduled a special listening session at the Kyrouz Auditorium on the second floor of City Hall for fishermen and other stakeholders to come and express their concerns about the state of the Northeast groundfish fishery, as well as ask questions about the re-authorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
He's bringing a heavy hitter with him. Tierney will be accompanied by U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, the senior Democrat and a ranking member of the Natural Resources committee that has jurisdiction over re-authorizing Magnuson-Stevens in the House.
We also understand that, following the session, Tierney and DeFazio may tour the Glosta waterfront, though those plans have not been formalized.
Read the full story at Gloucester Daily Times