Senate OKs resolution urging N.E. fishing aid

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The U.S. Senate has asked the Secretary of Commerce to re-examine a decision denying emergency assistance to New England fishermen.

The resolution, which passed Tuesday, requests that the Department of Commerce reverse an October decision rejecting a request from the governors of Rhode Island, Maine and Massachusetts to declare a fisheries resource disaster in their states. Declaring such a failure could result in financial assistance for fishermen.

New Hampshire authorities previously said they would make a similar request.

The governors have argued that strict federal fishing regulations have limited the catch and hurt fishermen economically.

“At a time when it is costing our fishermen more to fuel up their boats and regulations are limiting their catches, we need to provide our fishermen with some measure of relief,” Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., said in a written statement.

The resolution sends the message that the Senate recognizes the importance of the fishing industry to the economy in Maine and New England, said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.

“This industry has been hard hit and needs some relief. I urge the Department of Commerce to take a second look at the grave situation this industry is experiencing,” said Collins.