Ten Senators and thirteen House Members representing northeastern states today released a letter sent to Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, urgently requesting him to immediately increase catch share limits slated to go into effect on May 1st. In addition, the twenty-three lawmakers requested a meeting with Locke at the earliest possible time in order to discuss the issue.
The pending implementation of Amendment 16, known as catch shares or sector management, could have a devastating effect on the fishing industry in the Northeast. The program would slash the total fish catch from the 2009 levels on what are known as "choke stocks" — pollock, Gulf of Maine winter flounder, southern New England yellowtail flounder, Gulf of Maine cod, and Georges Bank yellowtail flounder. In past years, New England annual groundfish catches earned as much $313 million annually. By 2007, the value of the catch had dropped by over two-thirds to $92 million. The new Amendment 16 limits would push annual income even lower.
The Secretary of Commerce is granted emergency powers to amend the catch share program under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA.)
"This is as tough a time economically as we've ever seen for working people and it's been especially brutal for our fishermen," said Senator John Kerry. "We need immediate action to ease the burden of the new federal fishing regulations on our fishermen and their families. I look forward to meeting with Secretary Locke and NOAA Administrator Lubchenco to find appropriate ways to increase fishing limits and maintain progress toward a sustainable fishery. I will also continue to work for federal funding to improve stock assessments, to help our fishermen with the new regulations and to implement a voluntary permit buyback for those who are interested."
"Moving to catch shares is a controversial step that will cause some turmoil in the fishing industry under the best circumstances. Increasing the catch limits would reduce this turmoil," said Congressman Barney Frank. "I do not understand what argument there is for not taking this step, and I urge those who are seeking acceptance of the catch share decision to recognize that it is in their interest to see that it is implemented with as little harm to fisherman as is possible."
"Our fishermen deserve an economically viable and ecologically sustainable future for their families and businesses," said Congressman John F. Tierney. "Given the upcoming implementation of the catch-share system and its uncertain impact on the fishing community, I have joined my colleagues in requesting immediate action that would ease the effects of the new fishing regulations. I will continue to fight for support for fisherman so that they will have the opportunity to succeed."
The twenty-three members of Congress expressed deep concern that the way the catch share program is structured could lead to the closing of the entire northeast fishery. For example, under Amendment 16, when fishermen catch just one quarter of the 2009 harvest level of pollock, they will be shut down for the year for all other species.
In addition, the letter expresses support for a vessel and permit buyback that would provide fishermen planning to leave the industry a means to do so while avoiding bankruptcy. The letter also requests an increased commitment to funding for scientific research on fisheries.
LIST OF SIGNATORIES
MASSACHUSETTS
Senator John Kerry
Senator Scott Brown
Congressman Barney Frank
Congressman John Tierney
Congressman James McGovern
Congressman Michael Capuano
RHODE ISLAND
Senator Jack Reed
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
Congressman Jim Langevin
Congressman Patrick Kennedy
MAINE
Senator Olympia Snowe
Senator Susan Collins
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree
Congressman Michael Michaud
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Senator Jeanne Shaheen
Senator Judd Gregg
Congressman Paul Hodes
Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter
NEW YORK
Senator Charles Schumer
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Congressman Timothy Bishop
Congressman Peter King
CONNECTICUT
Congressman Joe Courtney