Gloucester fishermen ‘desperate’ to net bill’s passage
A bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this week is being cheered by fishermen in Gloucester who are hoping for a lifeline for the struggling industry.
“It’s desperate. We are in a desperate situation. We need a change,” said Angela Sanfilippo, president of the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association. “It’s a good start.”
The new law would allow more flexibility for fish populations to be rebuilt, and give more authority to the regional fishery management councils, which may be more in touch with the local industry.
The bill, which passed the House on Wednesday, would change a decades-old fisheries law meant to restrict overfishing in a way proponents say can protect both fishermen and fishing stocks.
“My bill will update (the law) to ensure a proper balance between the biological needs of fish stocks and the economic needs of fishermen and coastal communities,” said Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska). “We know that each region works within their unique conditions, which is why I fought to ensure the management process will be improved by allowing regional fisheries to develop plans that meet their local needs.”
Sanfilippo said strict rules about rebuilding fish stocks have made it difficult to sustain a strong industry.
“When there’s a stock they decide is too low, we have to rebuild it in 10 years, which has created a lot of the problems we have,” she said.
Since it was introduced in 1976, the Magnuson-Stevens Act has been updated a number of times, including to add scientific research to the government’s decisions.
Young’s bill, which passed with overwhelming Republican support and limited Democratic support, has been generally opposed by environmental groups. Of the Massachusetts delegation, only Rep. Stephen F. Lynch voted in favor of the bill.
The National Resources Defense Council has said the law has been the best defense against overfishing, and said the changes would strip it of its power. “It would eviscerate the very conservation requirements that have worked to restore our marine fisheries,” the NRDC said.
Fishermen in Gloucester say the industry is in danger of disappearing without changes. “We’re down to about 60 fishermen, and every day it gets worse,” Sam Parisi said.