Neil Abercrombie: “The temporary moratorium on the entry of large fishing vessels into these two fisheries will provide the East Coast…”

“The temporary moratorium on the entry of large fishing vessels into these two fisheries will provide the East Coast councils the opportunity they need to develop management plans to protect the resources without the threat of overcapitalization. I think that the gentleman from New Jersey has made a clear and compelling case in that regard. Too many fisheries in the United States are already overcapitalized, and seasons that used to last for months are now over in days. In New England, coastal communities have been devastated by the crash of cod and haddock stocks. Mackerel and herring will be the only healthy fisheries if they can survive the next several years, but not if those stocks are suddenly being harvested by an influx of large vessels. Four or five of these boats could eliminate the opportunities for fishermen that have little else to depend upon. It is time that we learn from the mistakes of the past and encourage the proactive approach by the councils to the problems of overcapitalization.”