Letter to Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan, Administrator of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Ayotte Protests Regulations that Hurt New Hampshire's Recreational Fishermen

Letter

Dear Dr. Sullivan:

I write regarding the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) recent regulations for Gulf of Maine cod and haddock recreational fisheries and the effect these regulations have imposed on recreational fishermen.

As you know, on April 22, 2014, NOAA published its final rule shortening the fishing season for recreational cod and haddock fishermen in the Gulf of Maine. Specifically, the rule increases the closed fishing season in the Gulf of Maine for cod by two months and for haddock by four months. Furthermore, the rule limits recreational fishermen to a daily bag limit of three haddock from a previously unlimited bagging amount.

Recreational fishing plays an important role in New Hampshire's tourism industry and economy. Fishing is an iconic pastime that has been enjoyed in many New Hampshire families for generations. Small business recreational saltwater fishing charter companies are of particular importance to our state's local seacoast economy. According to 2011 Census data, saltwater anglers spent more than $91 million in New Hampshire.

NOAA's increase in the fishing offseason has significantly limited recreational opportunities for fishermen in New England. The rule threatens the extinction of New Hampshire's historic deep-sea fishing charters. Sustainable fisheries are in everyone's best interest. However, in keeping with current law, we must ensure that efforts to sustain fish stocks do not adversely impact fishing communities.

I respectfully request that you reconsider your recent rule and work with local recreational fishermen to find a balanced approach that safeguards New Hampshire's critical recreational fishing industry while also preserving fishing stocks. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

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