Jan 04, 2018

Not on Our Watch: Protecting New England’s Ocean from Offshore Drilling

[Update: On Jan. 4, 2018, the Trump administration announced a new five-year plan that would open up most U.S. continental shelf waters, including protected areas of the Arctic and the Atlantic, to oil and gas drilling. CLF joined 63 other groups in opposing this plan. Read the full joint statement here.] Over the past year, we’ve… Continue reading Not on Our Watch: Protecting New England’s Ocean from Offshore Drilling

Northeast Ocean Plan
Nov 13, 2017

We Have an Opportunity to Build Stronger, Sustainable Fisheries for Future Generations

The MSA has worked in rebuilding fish populations. Now, it should be strengthened to ensure we’re able to save and restore still-struggling species like the iconic Atlantic cod – before it’s too late.  Consider these three facts: New England’s commercial fisheries brought in $1.2 billion in revenue in 2012, up from $691 million in 2003… Continue reading We Have an Opportunity to Build Stronger, Sustainable Fisheries for Future Generations

MSA
Oct 16, 2017

You Can Help Safeguard the Future of Menhaden, the Most Important Fish in the Sea

Commonly hailed as “the most important fish in the sea,” Atlantic menhaden could soon be managed a bit differently, as the body that regulates the species hosts an important discussion next month. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will meet November 13-14 with a historic opportunity to solidify the importance of menhaden’s role in… Continue reading You Can Help Safeguard the Future of Menhaden, the Most Important Fish in the Sea

Oct 11, 2017

Carlos Rafael’s Fish Fraud Leads to Forfeiture of Vessels, Permits

“Mr. Rafael’s crimes put the health of our fisheries directly in harm’s way, and today’s order helps ensure that he pays a price for that corruption,” said CLF attorney Megan Herzog. “Though this amounts to just a small slice of Mr. Rafael’s assets, it sends a signal that anyone who crosses the line will be held criminally accountable. By reinvesting proceeds associated with this case into stronger monitoring and redistributing Mr. Rafael’s forfeited quota among the fishermen harmed by his egregious crimes, we can begin to turn the page on this dark chapter in New England’s fisheries.”

Sep 29, 2017

Codfather Penalties Set New England on Path to Better Accountability

On Monday, September 25, a federal court sentenced New England fishing magnate Carlos Rafael – “the Codfather”– to 46 months incarceration, a $200,000 fine, and three years’ probation, during which he is barred from the fishing industry. The sentence sends a strong message that systemic abuse of our fishery resources and management mechanisms will not… Continue reading Codfather Penalties Set New England on Path to Better Accountability

Sep 25, 2017

Carlos Rafael Sentence Shows Zero Tolerance for Fish Fraud

“The sentence imposed by Judge Young today sends a strong message that systemic abuse of our fishery resources will not be tolerated,” said CLF attorney Megan Herzog. “While others played by the rules, Mr. Rafael showed brazen disregard for fishermen, their families, and the health of our ocean environment. Going forward, it is critical that we implement stronger monitoring and enforcement at sea in order to ensure New England’s fishing industry operates on a level playing field.”

Sep 18, 2017

Who Owns Downeast Maine’s Seaweed? 

If you’ve spent any time along the Downeast Maine coast, then you’ve encountered rockweed. The green-brown seaweed known officially as Ascophyllum nodosum is ubiquitous here. At low tide, it carpets the rocky coastline and provides a refuge from the heat or the cold for a variety of shellfish and crustaceans, including juvenile lobsters, crabs, mussels,… Continue reading Who Owns Downeast Maine’s Seaweed? 

Maine rockweed
Sep 06, 2017

CLF Urges Court to Impose Significant Penalties in Carlos Rafael Case

 Summary: On March 30, 2017, New Bedford-based fishing magnate Carlos Rafael pled guilty to 28 criminal counts against him, including conspiracy to evade federal fishing quotas and profit from the sale of misreported fish, and falsified reporting to the federal government. Rafael’s egregious crimes inflicted severe damage within New England’s fishing community, which has rippled… Continue reading CLF Urges Court to Impose Significant Penalties in Carlos Rafael Case