NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — September 30, 2013 — The trials and tribulations fishermen face every day — from the perilous journeys to their limited benefits — were highlighted in speeches aboard the stately schooner Ernestina Sunday afternoon.
Amid the fun and games of the 10th annual Working Waterfront Festival, officials outlined the challenges facing the fishing industry today and vowed to continue to support local fishermen and their families through these trying times.
"It's not just an industry, it's the livelihood of people," said Attorney General Martha Coakley at the 44th annual blessing of the fleet aboard the historic schooner Ernestina, Massachusetts' official vessel.
It was a perfect afternoon and several people shrugged off their jackets as the sun shone down on the recently restored schooner with its colorful flags from different countries. Her deck was packed with about 50 people, with a larger crowd watching from the docks.
"She continues on as much as we hope the fishing industry will do," said seafood consultant and former commercial fisherman Jim Kendall.
Father Constantine Bebis started the ceremony with an invocation and ended it with a blessing asking God to "protect and preserve" the fishermen who "provide wholesome, natural food."
The tradition dates back to a practice started in small fishing communities along the Mediterranean many centuries ago, said Mayor Jon Mitchell in his speech, one that New Bedford is proud to continue. Yet, fishermen continue to suffer in the number-one commercial fishing port in the nation, he said. Noting recent regulations setting new catch limits have hurt the groundfish industry like never before, Mitchell said, "Let us not relent in our pursuit of fairness."
Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times