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Industry advocates permit stacking and private research fund as relief for New Bedford fleet
Summary
Members of the Sustainable Scalloping Fund and Port of New Bedford officials asked legislators to back targeted reforms — limited permit stacking, industry-funded research funding and protection for working waterfront infrastructure — to help a fleet facing high costs and short seasons.
Industry representatives and port officials told the legislative hearing that limited permit stacking, a formal role for the Sustainable Scalloping Fund and stronger protection of working‑waterfront infrastructure could provide near‑term relief for vessels and shore‑side businesses in New Bedford and other Massachusetts ports.
At the hearing Senator Marc R. Montigny said he has "bias" in favor of the fishing industry but wants decisions grounded in science. Industry speakers emphasized the economic scale of the scallop fishery and proposed modest, controlled permit consolidation to reduce operating days and costs while preserving local ownership caps.
"Support of the Sustainable Scalloping Fund means supporting a vision of industry‑led sustainability grounded in science and…
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