Fishermen gather for summit

NEW BEDFORD — U.S. Rep. Barney Frank says the government doesn’t pay enough respect to fishermen.

The Massachusetts Democrat was speaking today at a fisheries summit in New Bedford. He said fishermen encounter too many rigid regulations, and that the expertise that fishermen have for their industry should be given more respect.

Today’s summit comes as regional fishermen address new rules taking effect May 1. Frank said he hoped specific solutions would emerge from the meeting.

Under the regulations, fishermen will be divided into groups and must combine and manage their catch allowances among themselves. But some fishermen say the regulations could allow large companies to seize most of the shares.
 

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