BOSTON (AP) — The U.S. Commerce Department has declared a national fishery disaster in New England, opening the door for tens of millions of dollars in relief funds for fishermen.
U.S. Sen. John Kerry said he’s secured a commitment from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to include $100 million for fishermen and fishing communities in emergency assistance legislation. He said the job after Thursday’s declaration is to fight for the money in a potentially reluctant Congress.
Kerry and others have long pursued the disaster declaration, saying the industry is being devastated by federal fishing regulations.
They say fishermen have been following rules designed to stop overfishing, but key fish stocks continue to decline, mandating ruinous catch limits.
Kerry says the $100 million request includes direct aid and funds to improve fishery science.
-
- File photo: Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, speaks to reporters during her “Main Street Walk” to visit with constituents and answer questions, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011, in Saco, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.