Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Lobster Processing Modernization Plan Ready to Become Law

Lobster represent a major portion of our state's commercial fishery - more than $80 million each year. Five ports in our Senate district, Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, and Ipswich are responsible for 28% of all lobsters harvested in the state. For many years I have worked with a group of dedicated people to modernize lobster processing laws to help meet the growing demand for our lobster, support local fishing communities, and meet changing consumer demands. Now, Governor Charlie Baker has the opportunity to sign into law legislation that I have been seeking.

This Gloucester Daily Times article gives insight into why the law is needed.  https://www.gloucestertimes.com/news/fishing_industry_news/lobster-bill-survives-budget-deal-legislation-to-allow-in-state/article_293c0fc4-dffe-5638-8b04-168b89f2f2a5.html