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NOAA has approved a plan for 55 New Bedford-based fishing vessels that were ordered to halt operations to begin leasing their quota.

Prior to a town hall meeting in New Bedford Saturday, Senators Warren and Markey and Rep. Keating met with fishermen to discuss the issues facing the industry.

Officials from NOAA say fishing vessels that transferred to Sector VII from Sector IX in New Bedford may have to wait until mid-summer to begin leasing quotas.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell is turning up the heat on fishing regulators as the city's Sector IX fishing group remains grounded.