BARNSTABLE – The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association has teamed up with a national organization working on federal fishing issues.
The Seafood Harvesters of America represents a number of fishing agencies from coast to coast.
Mass Lobstermen’s Executive Director Beth Casoni said they have been eyeing this partnership for some time.
“We thought about joining a year ago and wanted to see a little bit more of their accomplishments and where they are going,” Casoni said. “And they are very active with the re-authorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.”
Casoni said having the backing of a national organization will help local fisherman when it comes to federal issues.
“It gives them another set of eyes on the federal issues,” she said. “People think that state issues are their only concerns when you fish in state waters, but right now federal issues are coming right to the beaches.”
The Massachusetts Lobsterman’s Association is a member organization that accepts and supports the interdependence of species conservation and the economic interests of it 1,700 members.
The Midwater Trawlers Cooperative, which is a non-profit trade association with members along the West Coast and throughout the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska, have also joined the Seafood Harvesters of America.
“These organizations demonstrate a dedication to the broader fishing community as well as the resources upon which they depend,” said Chris Brown, Chairman of the Seafood Harvesters of America. “The addition of these powerhouse associations reflects the important mission we have as a voice for commercial fishermen in our nation’s capital, as well as the results we have delivered since our founding last year. With an even broader coalition, the Harvesters will continue to ensure commercial fishermen can provide delicious and sustainable seafood to millions of American families.”
