Turns out the federal budget will include $75 million in “fisheries disaster relief funds” ($33 million for the New England groundfish and $3 million for recreational fisheries in New Jersey and New York.)
The question now is how the money will be spent to “restore the fishery or prevent a similar failure in the future”. Capt. John McMurray’s recent blog has some strong opinions about where that money should go – from improved observer programs to permit buyouts:
http://www.reel-time.com/articles/co...hing-industry/
What do you think? Will the community push for spending that truly improves fish abundance? Or will fishermen and politicians continue to push for spending that further decimates stocks?
