MAJOR FISHING INDUSTRY STUDY TO
BE RELEASED
REPORT REVEALS DEVASTATING ECONOMIC
HARDSHIPS DUE TO FEDERAL REGULATIONS
12/7/06
The
Massachusetts Fishery Recovery Commission will release a
groundbreaking Economic Impact Report on Monday, December
11, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. Commission Member Roger Berkowitz,
President and CEO of Legal Sea Foods will host the press
conference at the Exchange Conference Center, located at the
Boston State Fish Pier.
The report presents compelling
information on the adverse affect that fisheries regulations
have had on fishing communities and the Commonwealth.
Professor of Economics at Tufts University, Marcelo
Bianconi, Ph.D. and Senior Consultant at Industrial
Economics, Brett Baden, Ph.D. are the authors of the report.
They will announce and explain their noteworthy findings
after reviewing the economic factors and their correlation
to federal fisheries regulations known as Amendment 5,
Amendment 7, and Amendment 13 on coastal communities.
In response to the release of this
groundbreaking report, Executive Director Vito Calomo
stated, "This report demonstrates the true damage that will
come from Framework 42 and its ability to wipe out fishing
ports such as Plymouth and Gloucester."
Commission Founder
State Senator Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) said this about the
report and its release, "A true understanding of the social and
economic impacts of fisheries regulations has been sorely
missing in the development of severe constraints on fishing
families and ports. The work of Professors Baden and Bianconi
begins to shed light on a troubling situation that demands the
attention of all levels of government."
"Fishing is a way
of life that goes back generations for many of these families
who are now struggling to stay in the fishing industry and
provide for their families," said Senator Therese Murray
(D-Plymouth), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways and
Means. "Understanding the impact of regulations on these men
and women will hopefully bring these struggles to the
forefront."
State
Representative Tony Verga (D-Gloucester) said, "Under current
fishing regulations, fishing communities cannot survive. This
report shows the need to develop regulations that protect the
people not just the fish."
Author Marcelo
Bianconi, Ph D. said, "There are important economic costs that
follow fishing regulations. A more balanced approach is needed
to make fisheries management consistent with sustainable
economic activity in localities where the fishing industry is
active."
"I applaud the
efforts of the Legislature to focus the Massachusetts Fisheries
Recovery Commission on identifying the economic impacts federal
fishing regulations have on our communities. This report is a
practical starting point but more in-depth work needs to
follow," said Paul Diodati, Co-Chair of the Massachusetts
Fisheries Recovery Commission.
Legal Sea Foods will be providing chowder,
sandwiches and refreshments.
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