Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Grim cod report accepted, regulators weigh action

PORTSMOUTH, N.H.—Regional regulators are meeting to try to minimize damage to New England's fishing industry after an assessment of Gulf of Maine cod indicates the valuable stock is severely overfished.

The new report could lead to a 90 percent cut in the allowed catch to protect the fish. That would wipe out major segments of the industry. But regional regulators at the New England Fishery Management Council are expected to buy time Wednesday by asking federal regulators for an emergency rule that would be in effect for a year, starting in May. http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2012/02/01/grim_cod_report_accepted_regulators_weigh_action/

Article courtesy of The Boston Globe from Associated Press by Jay Lindsay