For Immediate Release
Office of the Director
June 25, 2009

Statement from the Director

Subject: New England Council votes to expand sector management/Statement by
NOAA’s Fisheries Service Acting Assistant Administrator Jim Balsiger

I congratulate members of the New England Fishery Management Council and all those who worked to make today’s historic vote to expand sector management of groundfish a reality. Amendment 16 involved a great deal of hard work by the council and by many in the groundfishing industry. Sector management based on the allocation of catch shares will give fishermen a greater stake in the conservation and sustainable management of this valuable fishery. It will help to restore the marine ecosystem that fishing depends on and support economically prosperous coastal communities. NOAA is committed to working with the New England Council to make the health of the oceans go hand-in-hand with the prosperity of commercial and recreational fishermen and the well-being of people in coastal communities.

James Balsiger, Acting NOAA Fisheries Service Administrator
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT CONNIE BARCLAY AT (301) 713-
2370
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