The Governor Hears The Fishermen !

You just never know who may show up during a fish weigh-out!
That was the case today when I was at Pigeon Cove Whole Foods down on the docks at work. As usual I brought along my camera when Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick arrived with Gloucester Mayor Carolyn Kirk,Senator Bruce Tarr and city councilor Vice President Safatia Romeo-Theken. With a fishing industry struggling with heavy regulations and questionable fish quotas the Governor came to Gloucester to hear concerns from fishermen, industry and community leaders in an effort to see how he can help. I must say that the Governor did spend his time listening and asking questions and appeared committed to "roll up his sleeves" in this very important issue.

This just in:
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced that he is raising fishing limits on several fish stocks based on new scientific analysis, delivering on a commitment he made to Northeast fishermen and members of Congress.

The pollock limit was today raised from 6 to 36 million pounds. Previous recent actions have also raised the spiny dogfish limit from 12 to 15 million pounds and revised the skate limit upward from 67.5 to 90.5 million pounds. Another pending action proposes to increase the red crab limit from 3.56 to 3.91 million pounds. These increases in catch limits were put in place by NOAA, the agency that studies and manages federal fishery resources.


Governor Patrick talking to fisheman.

The Governor listens.

Watching the weigh-out.

Senator Bruce Tarr, Mayor Carolyn Kirk, Governor Deval Patrick and City Council VP Safatia Romeo-Theken

Senator Bruce Tarr grabbed my camera and took one with me and the Governor. Dispite the ugly mug next to the Governor, I thought The Senator took a great photo!

"Ambjorg & Julie" heads in.

"Lily Jean" in the morning mist.

In Harbor Cove.

"Dog Star" enters the harbor.

"Samay"

Schooner "Thomas E. Lannon" designed after a true Gloucester fishing schooner passes the Paint Factory.