Fishing Through Tough Times: Working Document on Resources to Support the Northeast Groundfish Industry

NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office is drafting a working document to compile information and ideas to help the Northeast groundfish industry maintain its viability through these challenging times. One of the most important things we can do to support industry right now is to find ways that enable fishermen to catch more fish. This document focuses on this important step and also delineates other means that fishermen can explore to strengthen their businesses. It is a starting point from which industry members, government agencies, elected officials, non-governmental organizations, and others can take action to help preserve this fishery.

The objectives of this document are:

1. Make fishermen and support businesses aware of the various forms of assistance available to them;
2. Assemble the key agencies and entities that can provide that support;
3. With our partners, improve this document over time to address emerging issues; and
4. Undertake the actions that fall within our purview.

In addition, NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Administrator will convene and Chair a Northeast Groundfish Economic Coordinating Committee composed of the lead contacts for each of the actions outlined in this document (click here to see Committee members). The purpose of this committee will be to generate support for the Northeast groundfish industry in a comprehensive and organized fashion, and to ensure that this document (see below) continues to be developed over time.

• Final version (August 2015)

Click here to listen to the public constituent call that was held on June 24, 2013

Gulf of Maine Research Institute

Developing Solutions to Improve Groundfish Fishing Businesses 
April 10, 2014 - Quincy, MA

• Strategies – increasing use and value of sector allocation

Workshop to Explore Fishing Behavior and Constraints in FY 2012
January 15, 2014 

• Summary Document

December 2, 2013, Seminar

• NOAA Hosts SBA/USDA Seminar on Options for Financial Assistance

For more information, contact Olivia Rugo, NOAA Fisheries Outreach Coordinator, at Olivia.rugo@noaa.gov or 978-675-2167.