Washington Small Business Watchdog Calls On Fishery Council To Show Leadership Relying On Inappropriate Data Could Irreparably Harm Small Businesses


WASHINGTON, D.C. - The New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) should postpone changes to its ground fish management plan until problems with data collection and economic impact on small business have been resolved. These and other concerns are detailed in a recent letter sent to NEFMC by the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

"Well managed fisheries depend on sound science," said Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy. "If the concerns of small fishermen are considered early in the regulatory process, less burdensome ways to achieve NEFMCs goals can be achieved. NEFMC has a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate leadership based on sound science and full consideration of how the council's plans will affect small businesses, which make up 99 percent of the fishing industry," he said.
The letter points out that under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), NEFMC is required to "fully consider the economic impact of its actions and meaningful alternatives that may minimize the economic impact on small entities."

Advocacy sent the letter to NEFMC as it prepares to take up changes to its groundfish management plan at the November 5-7 meeting in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

According to Advocacy's letter, "the viability of the groundfish industry depends on a fishery management plan that is based on proper stock assessments." It concluded that NEFMC should "resist further consideration of a management plan for the groundfish fishery until the information survey and the independent research surveys are completed."
For more information and the complete text of the letter, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.


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Created by Congress in 1976, the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the Chief Counsel for Advocacy directs the office. The Chief Counsel advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policy makers. Economic research, policy analyses, and small business outreach help identify issues of concern. Regional Advocates and an office in Washington, DC support the Chief Counsel's efforts.

For more information on the Office of Advocacy, visit http://www.sba.gov/advo, or call (202) 205-6533.