37 



Now that tb« regulations have increased, the suffering has as 

 well. Within two years our fishermen will have only 88 fleet days 

 in which to fish, assuming they can fish on all of then. Federal 

 regulators may believe that this will allow us to survive, but deep 

 down, our families know the difficult reality we face. 



Already struggling to meet their debts and business costs, my 

 friends end associates are nearing desperation. I have seen grown 

 men cry in my shop because they know what the federal government 

 won't acknowledge. Thsse are »y friends, and they need your help. 



currently a single break-down at sea can be the final chapter 

 in a family-owned fishing business when the family can no longer 

 find any resources to keep the vessel operating . Absent a dramatic 

 incident like a break-down, we struggle together to endure these 

 tines. Often, my generosity in terms of credit stretches as far as 

 it can go to keep a friend working to support his family. 



Today, my survival in the gear busineae is in jeopardy as 

 well. In faot, among the few reasons ay doors continue to be open 

 is that the doors of other gear suppliers are closing. Two, A & J 

 Fishing Gear and v.c. Pishing Gear, have closed completely. A 

 third, Three Lanterns, has now Shifted to recreational boating and 

 fishing supplies. 



I am before you today as an endangered species, to seek your 

 assistance by recognizing this disaster for the purposes of the 

 Small Business Administration. Those of us in the fishing industry 

 want to work hard to support our families and our community, but we 

 need your help. 



Thank you for the opportunity to testiCy before you today and 

 for your concern for our industry. I would like to particularly 

 thank Congressman Torkildcen for making my appearance here today 

 possible. 



