On the Brink of Disaster!

The numbers only tell a part of the story. The fishing industry is in trouble here in the northeast. The nations oldest port and it's fishing industry is being gutted by those in Washington who we have trusted. Since the early 1600's Gloucester fishermen have put their lives on the line to feed this country and their families. They have sacrificed to correct past over fishing to assure a healthy sustaining stock only to be squeezed by regulation and unfair law enforcement practices. NOAA released their 2010 Final Report on the Performance of the Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish)Fishery
But the report doesn't tell the whole story. Along with a shrinking fleet and lower landings the rising cost of fish is passed on to the consumers. More fish are being imported from countries like China who don't have strict seafood standards. Meanwhile fishing vessels have cut back on the number of crew creating a safety issue. The report doesn't give the total economic cost to the industry's infrastructure. Processing plants have cut back, Cape Pond Ice which supplies ice to the fleet is feeling the impact as does shore repair facilities to name a few. And when Senator Scott Brown came to Gloucester to demand President Obama dismiss NOAA head Jane Lubchenco, he also recognized the fishermen's need for a fair and strong administration that can tell the difference between what's sustainable and what's destructive.





A common sight on the waterfront.

"Angela & Rose" (left) And "Janaya & Joseph"

Captain Joe Orlando secures the "Padre Pio".

Captain Paul Vitale aboard "Angela & Rose".

Fish on the deck.

Cod heading up.

Dumping flounder.

Icing up.