Thursday, September 11, 2008

Fishing for answers: Key report due on status of groundfish

The result is consolidation of the industry, with boat owners who have money or financial support buying permits from those who don't, she said.

Michael Matulaitis, who owns and captains the Fairhaven dragger Rosemarie, said additional fishing restrictions could push groundfishermen — many of whom are gambling that they will make a lot of money when stocks rebuild in the future — deeper into debt.

"People are hanging on by a thread right now and any more cuts are really going to take us deep," Mr. Matulaitis said.

Making a business plan, especially for the 2009 fishing year, is especially difficult for boat owners given the uncertainty surrounding future fishing regulations, he said.

Under the groundfish rebuilding plan, regional fisheries managers must introduce new fishing restrictions by May 1, 2009.



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