The following is taken from a press release:
Today, Congressman Tierney joined congressional colleagues in a meeting with Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Jane Lubchenco to discuss ongoing issues facing our local fishing families. After the meeting, he released the following statement:
โI joined my colleagues today to reiterate to Secretary Locke and Dr. Lubchenco the urgency and seriousness of the situation facing our fishing community,โ said Congressman Tierney, who spearheaded the first congressional hearing on NOAA issues in Gloucester earlier this year. โDuring the meeting, we urged the Secretary to recognize the negative economic impact of the new catch-share limits and immediately provide local fisheries with more flexibility. In addition, we again asked the Secretary to respond to inquiries regarding unfair and abusive practices of the NOAA's enforcement office, as cited in the Inspector Generalโs report, pending a complete investigation into the specific cases. While todayโs meeting was an important step in providing our fisheries with some relief, we will continue to demand action from Secretary Locke and Dr. Lubchenco until these issues are resolved.โ