A Good Fisheries Decision

Today I was compelled to appear before the New England Fisheries Management Council in Portsmouth, N.H. to request that it reconsider a recent decision to reduce allowable scallop catch to below levels which are sustainable biologically and needed for the viability of the Massachusetts fleet. This was a case of seeking fairness and sound, rational decision making on behalf of our fishing families.

Fortunately, the council took decisive and responsible action to reverse its prior actions, and I commend the members for the stewardship of our resources and our fishing industry that they demonstrated today.

A preliminary news account of today’s events is posted below.


Gloucester Daily Times...Fishing Council Backs Off, Raises Scallop Limits