The commercial fishing industry accounts for a huge chunk of commerce in New England. Many residents grew up near seaside communities whose local economy thrived on this very industry. Fathers, grandfathers and other family members either worked on the fishing boats, supplied bait or were diesel mechanics who fixed the ship's engines. However you look at it, New England is a community connected by the sea. Hollywood blockbusters such as The Perfect Storm and Jaws show how vital this natural resource is and how vulnerable our community can be to it. This industry has taken several hits over the past 30 years and has experienced up and downs with profits every season. Now more than ever we need to support local fishing to help our community. Here's a great article from the Providence Journal about scallopers in the Northeast.
Disputed cuts to Northeast scallopers reconsidered
7:39 AM Wed, Jan 27, 2010
Providence Journal, News staff
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) -- Northeast fisheries regulators are meeting to reconsider sharp, new scallop catch restrictions that have been vigorously protested by the fleet.
The New England Fishery Management Council initially refused to reconsider the new rules, which include cutting annual fishing days from 37 to 29.
But after meeting this month with Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, chair John Pappalardo said the council would reconsider the issue during its meeting Wednesday in Portsmouth, N.H.
Fishermen say the cuts are unneeded in a healthy fishery, and would cost each scallop boat up to $300,000.
The council says the scallopers have recently overshot their projected catch and the cuts will keep the stock healthy. It says the one-year hit would mean greater long-term gain.