Fish Regulators Consider Drastic Cuts in New England

Fishery regulators are considering huge cuts to key fish stocks before an audience of frustrated fishermen who say the flailing industry will collapse under more reductions.

    The New England Fishery Management Council met Thursday to consider drastic cuts in catch limits for bottom-dwelling groundfish, such as cod and flounder, that scientists say are recovering too slowly

    Regulators have estimated cuts as large as 90 percent, compared with 2011, are needed to meet the legal mandates to end overfishing and rebuild fish stocks.

    In comments before the vote, fishermen repeatedly told the council the cuts will obliterate the centuries-old industry.

    They criticized science they say is woefully inaccurate and driving the onerous new regulations.

    And they expressed anger that after years of tough cutbacks, it seemed regulators were set to put them out of business. (AP)