NEWSRELEASE
For Release: January 16, 2003
Contact: John McDowell (202) 205-6941
john.mcdowell@sba.gov
SBA Number: 03-03 ADVO
Small Fishermen Win Reprieve With NMFS Decision
Advocacy Call For Consideration Of Small Fishermen Heeded
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Small New England fishermen have won a reprieve with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) decision to give the industry five extra years to rebuild depleted stocks of cod and other groundfish. Chief Counsel for Advocacy, Thomas M. Sullivan, of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) had called for such an action in an earlier letter to the New England Fishery Management Council.
“A less burdensome way to rebuild groundfish stocks has been found by considering the concerns of small fishermen in the regulatory process,” said Barbara Manning, New England Regional Advocate for the Office of Advocacy. “Well managed fisheries depend on sound science, and it appears the recent decision by NMFS will allow scientists the time necessary to assess the strength of the various species. I applaud them for their decision,” she said.
Small business makes up approximately 99 percent of the fishing industry, according to Office of Advocacy research.
For more information and the complete text of the letter call Barbara Manning at (617) 565-8418 or visit the Office of Advocacy website at
www.sba.gov/advo.###
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
www.sba.gov/advo <http://www.sba.gov/advo>, or call (202) 205-6533.