Over the Bar

Last month in this space I dove into a pool that is surprisingly deep — the economic impact of Massachusetts fisheries.

Culling through excellent reports from the Division of Marine Fisheries, the bottom line is that in 2021, Massachusetts landings showed a value of $802 million “ex-vessel,” meaning the total amount fishermen were paid for their catch, all species, before that harvest was re-sold in markets or restaurants.

The latest stats about the state of our fishery have just emerged from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, covering landings across the Commonwealth for 2021, built off meticulous reports the agency requires all commercial fishermen to file so by far the best snapshot we have of what’s happening out there.

There’s plenty of steam building to require on-demand trap fishing gear – “ropeless” lobster pots – to protect endangered Right Whales.

We took a body blow and setback a few weeks ago, in the form of a federal judge’s ruling.

Turns out the Russian Navy was no match for Irish fishermen, and this small appreciation for what our counterparts on the other side of the Atlantic accomplished will suffice, at least for now, as congrats and thanks — though a shared Guinness would be far better.

A company called Holtec International now owns the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant site in Plymouth, responsible for decommissioning the reactor, cleaning up and decontaminating.

Much of this month’s issue conjures up stories and images going back 30 years, when the first incarnation of this alliance came together as “the hook” and then evolved.

As Congress slowly plows ahead on reauthorizing the key piece of legislation that regulates the American fishery — the Magnuson Stevens Act, MSA – I was invited to testify before the Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee of the House Committee on Natural Resources on November 16.

My brother was in town for a visit and when we sat down at the kitchen table for a cup of coffee he asked me how things are going.