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For Immediate Release: Further Information: DELAHUNT CALLS FOR TIME-OUT ON NEW FISHERIES REGS WASHINGTON -- Congressman Delahunt today called for a suspension on new fisheries restrictions until federal officials resolve problems relating to the collection of scientific data. "The first commandment of federal regulation is: do no harm," said Delahunt, who represents the Massachusetts coastline from Quincy to Provincetown. "If we're serious about rebuilding stocks, the first challenge is to restore public confidence in the stock assessments." Delahunt commended federal officials for inviting fishermen and others to a two-day workshop last week to review and assess the significance of recent revelations of flaws in data collection on groundfish stocks. Based on these discussions, the Congressman today proposed (1) a time-out on Amendment 13 to the Groundfish Management Plan and (2) an extension of overall target dates for the restoration of fish stocks until the problems are fully identified and corrected. "When restrictions -- even harsh restrictions -- are necessary to sustain fish stocks, you've got to take that medicine, but only when it's credible policy based on sound science," Delahunt said. "Given the documented shortcomings of the trawling research, the only sensible course for now is to pause for a deep breath, and review the methodology so we know how far off course things really may be." "It's hard enough to devise responsible fisheries policy, even when there is no dispute about the facts," he said. "But it's nearly impossible to reach consensus when the credibility of the basic data is in serious doubt." Earlier this year, a far-reaching court decision forced the adoption of a series of fisheries restrictions aimed at meeting statutory conservation goals. The decision also yielded plans for further rules to be incorporated in Amendment 13, subject to review by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the New England Fisheries Management Council. A draft of the plan is scheduled for completion by November. When reports of methodological problems with the trawling surveys first came to light two weeks ago, Delahunt joined with Senators Kennedy and Kerry -- as well as Reps. Barney Frank and John Tierney -- in urging Commerce Secretary Donald Evans to establish a Northeast Science Task Force to develop corrective measures. In the event more time is needed to sort matters out, the delegation encouraged Secretary Evans to petition the court for an extension to the judicially-imposed August 2003 deadline for completion of Amendment 13. Delahunt said that plans are also underway for Capitol Hill meetings this week with NMFS Administrator William Hogarth on these issues . |
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