Fisheries officials take step toward safer rules

Federal officials won't penalize a group of fishermen if they leave fishing grounds because of bad weather, a response in part to criticism that regulations may have contributed to a fishing accident that killed five New Bedford scallopers last month.

The new federal rules and clarifications, which took effect at 12 a.m. today, apply only to cod and flounder fishermen on eastern Georges Bank, but fishermen hailed it as the first step toward a permanent change in the rules for the entire industry.

"It's a good thing, I am so very, very pleased," said New Bedford Mayor Frederick M. Kalisz Jr., who praised the National Marine Fisheries Service for its quick response.

While the cause of the sinking of the Northern Edge on Dec. 20 during a fierce storm may never be known, some fishermen said rules that penalized scallopers about $18,000 for leaving fishing grounds early, before getting their allotted catch, could have contributed to the captain staying out. Only one man survived the sinking, which occurred when 11-foot seas washed over the boat.

Since then, Kalisz and fishermen have launched a campaign to change the rules for scallopers, although it soon became clear the penalties also existed for other fishermen. Last week, William Hogarth, the country's fishing chief, said he would try to change rules that could compromise safety. It is still expected to take months for scallop rules to change.

The regulations announced yesterday were tacked onto a reopening of an area closed in October to fishermen because officials were fearful too many fish were being caught. Under the old rules, fishermen said if they left the area they couldn't continue to fish as part of the same trip, a situation that could cost them thousands of dollars. Now, fishermen will be able to catch 15,000 pounds of yellowtail flounder and 5,000 pounds of cod on any given trip, even if they must take a break in the middle of it.

"For many, that can make it easier to balance safety and business concerns when thinking about ending a trip," said Teri Frady, a spokeswoman for the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Beth Daley can be reached at bdaley@globe.com.