NOAA failure...

**Prawn Broker** · #1 03-09-2010, 11:44 AM

Below is an excerpt from a commercial emailing.... United we can get the law changed!

Today's Main Story: Very impressive New England fisheries summit makes case that NOAA has failed the region

A very impressive fisheries summit took place in New Bedford yesterday, with both Cong. Barney Frank and Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick in attendance, along with Eric Schwaab of NMFS, and about 300 fishing industry stakeholders. Representatives of eight New England Senators were present also. Frank said he will convene a bi-partisan congressional group to propose changes in Magnuson in the next few weeks. Person after person testified or spoke to how NOAA's inflexibility on interpreting Magnuson, along with limits in the law itself, were destroying the New England industry, even as stocks were strongly rebounding. Many felt the IG's report slamming NOAA law enforcement was just the tip of the iceberg, and problems permeated deeply into the region. This movement to amend Magnuson is not a flash in the pan, and given the economy, the election year, and the build up grievances on the East Coast, a powerful political coalition is building to gain flexibility, led by the richest landing port in the U. S. - New Bedford.

**hilton** · #2 03-09-2010, 02:05 PM

Prawn Broker,

Awesome.

I too believe it is the tip of the iceberg - Crabtree had better think about jumping off soon and maybe going to work for EDF like other NOAA employees before him. I'm sure they'll throw him a golden liferaft.

This powerful coalition extends all the way to Texas.

Tom

**jim smarr** · #3 03-09-2010, 02:13 PM

We all have to push for hearings now not later. Please call your Member of Congress and ask your Representative and both our Senators to contact Congressman Pallone of NJ to force hearings in the House.

Are fishing rights depend on your calling and asking for these hearings today.