Fishermen Rally

GLOUCESTER, Mass. (AP) - Hundreds of fishermen from the
Northeast have gathered in Massachusetts to rally against what they
say are "unrealistic" regulations and "dysfunctional" fisheries
management.
      Some carrying signs that say "Let Fishermen Fish" and "Stop
Underfishing" are protesting Friday in front of the New England
headquarters of the National Marine Fisheries Service in Gloucester
(GLAW'-stur).
      Jay Driscoll of Rye Harbor, Maine, says the new system has
unfairly allocated the amount of fish he can catch and will wipe
out the region's small boat fleet.
      The rally comes as fishermen prepare for a switch to a
"sector" management system, in which those working in groups
divide and manage an allotted catch.
      Rally organizers say they want an independent review of how the
switch will affect them economically.
     
      (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)