BOSTON—An independent review of the bureaucracy that devises New England's fishing rules said the system is "beset with problems" and called for various reforms, including more accountability about whether the regulations actually work.
Other recommendations in the report released Tuesday included improving confidence in the fishery science, more emphasis on growing the fishing industry and uniting behind a long-term plan for the fishery that doesn't currently exist.
"There is a great deal of frustration among all … groups over the difficulty (some might say inability) to make progress and having to work in an environment of contention and mistrust," the report read.
Eric Schwaab, the head the National Marine Fisheries Services, said the report highlights ways managers can do better, but it doesn't erase the good work they've done, including improving the health of numerous species.
Read the complete story by Jay Lindsay of The AP at The Boston Globe.