WASHINGTON (Saving Seafood) — May 15, 2013 — The following was provided to Saving Seafood by the office of Congressman Ed Markey (D–Massachusetts).
Today, Rep. Ed Markey (D–Mass.) announced that he has invited Dr. Kevin Stokesbury from the UMASS-Dartmouth School of Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) in New Bedford to testify before Congress next week. Dr. Stokesbury, who is well respected for his innovative work in surveying scallops and groundfish, will appear before the House Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans, and Insular Affairs on Tuesday, May 21st to discuss data collection issues relevant to fisheries management under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Congressman Markey, the top Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee and dean of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation, released the following statement:
“Massachusetts is fortunate to have Dr. Stokesbury, and I am eager for him to share his perspective on fisheries data collection with members of the Subcommittee. SMAST’s creative, cooperative, and cost-effective approach to improving stock assessments through pioneering science has helped make the sea scallop fishery one of our nation’s most productive and sustainable. I will continue working with Dr. Stokesbury and other academic and industry partners to address the challenges facing our fisheries and to help our fishermen and their communities.”