March 25, 2014 — The motion, submitted by Councilor-at-large Paul Lundberg and co-sponsored by council vice president Sefatia Romeo Theken, represents an important step in support of steering aid right into the hands of fishermen and businesses who deserve it, and who have paid the harshest price of the federal regulations and limit cuts that have driven the local industry to the brink of collapse.
And while it may have little or no direct impact in the decision making at NOAA or in the hall’s of the state’s marine fisheries leaders, it shows that the city of Gloucester is indeed united in seeking this aid and monitoring where it goes.
It remains unclear how much of the projected $33 million in New England fishery disaster aid will find its way to Massachusetts fishermen and fishing-related businesses. But there is a clear consensus — from City Hall and Cape Ann’s State House delegation to stakeholders represented by the Northeast Seafood Coalition — that those funds must be directed straight into the hands of fishing boat owners, crews that have been sidelined for months, and affected shore-side businesses as well.
“If I were doing it, I would discern from businesses which were adversely impacted by the declining volume of fish coming off the boats,” Lundberg said. “That would include businesses such as the fish auctions, processors and the ice company and those who supply the boats with other materials and resources who have seen their businesses hurt.” And he’s right.
In that vein, the council should give the motion its unanimous approval tonight.
That should put federal and state officials alike on notice that Gloucester and its fishermen are watching — and are ready to hold all sides accountable. And that’s an important message to send.
Read the full editorial at the Gloucester Daily Times