Plaintiff Says All Not Lost In Fishing Lawsuit

A federal judge declined to issue an injunction barring the federal government from charging fishermen for at sea monitors.

The ruling came as a great disappointment to fishermen who are suing to block the practice.

Fisherman Dave Goethel, one of the plaintiffs involved, says that while this is a setback things are far from over.

"There may be a perception out there that all is lost and for the people who are not economically viable they may start doing things like putting their boats up for sale," "as an individual I don't think that's necessary at this time I think people should try to wait, hold on, and see what happens. This has got some plot twists left to go."

Goethels says that he thinks they have a strong case and that this lawsuit will not only have major impacts on the fishing industry but other industries as well.

"I think we have a very strong case, I think we have a case with national significance as well," "because should the government prevail there's nothing to stop all these regulatory agencies from starting to charge regulated people for their regualtion."
Goethal says although he expects they will be returning to court a date hasn't been set yet.