24 



al city and communities, many of which depend on the tourist 

 trade. 



The tourist industry, however, is not an adequate substitute, due 

 to its seasonality. In addition, many tourists are attracted to 

 Gloucester and New Bedford to see real fishermen at work unload- 

 ing their fish and mending theirs nets. 



I guess the tourist industry is number 15. We in the city of 

 Gloucester, Massachusetts, are not dead, but with the sudden clo- 

 sure of the fishing grounds, our industry may die a painful death. 



The U.S. Government has not given any consideration to the 

 ramifications of so negatively impacting the many businesses that 

 are affected by these regulations. Now with the implementation of 

 Amendment 7 to the Northeast Fisheries Management Plan, the 

 need for your assistance is greater than ever before. 



The social and economic impact statement attached to Amend- 

 ment 7 States that the fishing industry in many New England 

 ports will not survive and the probability of survival for Glouces- 

 ter's fishing industry is not promising. 



Where are the human and economic concerns for all that our 

 fishing heritage represents? What outcomes are Federal policy- 

 makers considering? It certainly is not about we, the people. Where 

 is the plan to save the industry? 



Yes, I agree, something is needed to save the fish. But if in the 

 final result when the fish make their comeback, which is already 

 happening, there won't be any fishermen from Massachusetts left 

 with the know-how to harvest them, then what has been accom- 

 plished for these many small businesses, other than destruction? 



These sudden measures are definitely a sudden disaster of the 

 highest order for the fishing industry of Massachusetts. 



I thank you and appreciate the opportunity to speak in front of 

 you. 



[Mr. Calomo's statement may be found in the appendix.] 



Chairman TORKILDSEN. Thank you, Mr. Calomo. 



Jim Kendall, please, your testimony. 



TESTIMONY OF JIM KENDALL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NEW 

 BEDFORD SEAFOOD COALITION 



Mr. Kendall. Mr. Chairman, thank you. Members of the Sub- 

 committee and guests, I would like to thank you also for being 

 asked to appear and give my testimony on this. 



I am a former fisherman of approximately 33 years. The reason 

 I am doing what I am doing now, Executive Director of a New Bed- 

 ford Seafood Coalition, is because I experienced a disaster. I ruined 

 a leg, I was forced ashore, so I know a sudden impact when I see 

 one. 



Massachusetts is requesting some disaster funds and some disas- 

 ter assistance due to the fact that we are being unduly burdened 

 by the impact of combined weight of management measures and a 

 downturn of the fishing industry. Part of the problem is that all the 

 downturn on the industry has been pointed at one easy answer, 

 and that is overfishing by the fishermen. If it was that easy, we 

 would find ways to fix it easily. 



The sudden impact brought about by these closed areas we keep 

 referring to are just that: They are sudden. They were meant to be 



