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This is a big deal...great news.
A few (paraphrased) comments from the Stellwagen Bank Charter Association:
“It was a good day for our cause in that the full Council voted to recommend removing the contentious reference area (55 sq nm closed area) that would have crippled the boats fishing out of Plymouth, Green Harbor, and Scituate. In summary, they recommended to designate the DHRA but eliminate the reference area. We'll still be allowed to fish there. To be clear, this fight isn't over yet. NMFS must still render its recommendation following today's meeting, and that recommendation is subject to a full review within the Department of Commerce. It is, however, a very positive signal that we may have eliminated the closed area. Many of the Council members commented on the tremendous amount of correspondence this topic has generated through phone calls, emails, and letters. Some said this relatively small part of the entire amendment generated more outcry than any other part. So thanks go to everyone who took the time to send emails and letters and attend the hearings. It made a big impression.”
“Would like to thank the SBCBA, Mass Lobsterman Association, and many others that volunteered their time against the proposed Stellwagen Bank DHRA, your hard work has paid off, the NEFMC voted against it this morning! We also would like to thank William Keating, Charlie Baker, Jim Cantwell, Bob Hedlund, Bruce Tarr, Vinny Demacedo to name a few or close to 40 State representatives that supported us and were against the proposed DHRA. It is apparent the DHRA was riddled with flawed science and flawed economics. The emails, phone calls and correspondence worked, the NEMFC has never seen such an outcry on any issue by the public. The only 4 individuals that voted for or recommended the creation of a DHRA included:
· David Preble
· Mark Gibson
· Mark McKenzie
· Mark Alexander
Frank Blount, Terry Alexander, Dave Pierce and Dr. Michael Sissenwine lead the way pointing out technical and economic flaws associated with the DHRA as well as others on the NEFMC. It should be noted that John Bullard, NMFS voted today against the creation of the DHRA. The NEFMC’s recommendation will now be forwarded to John Bullard and the NMFS for approval. We will continue to be vigilant to ensure that the vote stands and no DHRA is created in one of the last areas that we can rely upon to land fish.”
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