Kennedy and Markey Both Need to Learn Fishing Industry [OPINION]

There are two strong Democrats fighting to be the next U.S. Senator from Massachusetts. Who will best pledge to fight for our fresh seafood industry?

Fresh scallops, haddock, lobsters, cod, and clams are just a few of the wonderful species of fresh seafood that is landed daily in the seaports of Massachusetts. Those healthy sources of protein don't appear magically on the plates of consumers.

It takes a tremendous amount of investment capital and skilled manpower to make seafood available. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to bring healthy seafood to American tables. Being a fisherman is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. It is also one of the least appreciated occupations. It is particularly underappreciated by the bureaucrats and politicians who aren't connected to the working waterfronts of these United States.

Senator Ed Markey and Representative Joe Kennedy would be wise to learn the fishing industry that helps to fuel the economy and to feed the families of Massachusetts.

Richard and Ray Canastra own the Whaling City Seafood Display Auction and they should be on the speed dial of Kennedy and Markey. They know the true value, minute by minute, of the fishing industry. They have the latest information that a U.S. Senator who is truly committed to representing Massachusetts needs to know.

The Massachusetts fishing community is up against the juggernaut of the wind industry and the foreign fish importers. Without a Massachusetts senator who is committed to protecting the consumer's ability to obtain healthy local seafood, the fishing industry is doomed.

Chris McCarthy is the host of The Chris McCarthy Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Contact him at chris.mccarthy@townsquaremedia.com and follow him on Twitter @Chris_topher_Mc. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.