Kerry, Kennedy applaud fisheries money

Federal officials announced more funding today to help New England fishermen move toward a new system for limiting catches, winning praise from lawmakers and fishery groups.

In a speech in Boston, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration administrator Jane Lubchenco announced an additional $18.6 million to assist fishermen meet the federal requirements by the end of next year, on top of $16.7 million from its 2009 budget, according to the offices of Senators John F. Kerry and Edward M. Kennedy.

The proposed new "catch share" system allows groups of fishermen to divide allocated catches amongst themselves, instead of the current system that tries to stop overfishing by limiting the time fishermen are allowed at sea.

“Folks are hurting, and this lifeline from NOAA is a welcome step from an Administrator who combines a forward thinking approach towards sustainable fisheries with a commitment to help our fishing families. I will continue to work with the New England delegation to increase federal support of fisheries and fishermen throughout our region and ensure that all stakeholders have a seat at the table,” Kerry said in a statement.

“Secretary Ian Bowles and I applaud the support of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation in helping to bring critical resources to improve fishery conditions in the region,” Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Mary Griffin added in statement. “Dr. Lubchenco will have the full support of Massachusetts in making a smooth transition to catch shares as a means of maintaining healthy ecosystems and ending overfishing.”

“We are delighted to see this leadership coming from NOAA. Such significant funding is critical to move the sector approach from concept to reality. It speaks well of the new Administrator’s commitment to vastly improved fisheries management,” said Sue Nickerson, executive director of the Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen’s Association.