A pilot program for Stellwagen National Marine Sanctuary – Saving Small Boats Fishing into the Future
Back in 1972 when Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary was established, my mother, Lena Novello, who was president of Gloucester Fishermen’s Wife Association was on the committee with local fishermen & their communities that fought to stop oil & mining companies from opening the Stellwagen Bank.
Back then I was the captain of F/V Vlncie N who fished Stellwagen Bank regularly with many other Gloucester fishermen & also Plymouth, Scituate & Provincetown fishermen and was told local fishermen will always be able to fish Stellwagen Bank into the future.
My mom told me these were honorable people & their word was good as gold!
Changing times, with changing oceans have changed the golden words of Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary, as now they want to ban all dragging for Commerical Fishing.
Is our future going to be wondering if all fishing will be banned ln Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary?
I’m hoping the Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary will open their eye & minds think about the last families with their small boats who fished the Stellwagen Bank Area because their boats are too small for deeper waters. There are probably about 30 small boats, maybe less, that are still active.
My thoughts are, Place restrictions on a boat length of 60′, with a 500 horsepower limit, with area fishing history, crew size limit, gear specifications, and other idea’s that will brought to the table.
This would be a pilot program for Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary – Saving Small MA. Boats Fishing into the Future.
The Novello family has fished Stellwagon Bank for over 100 years.
Thank you,
Captain Sam Novello, Gloucester Fisherman, Gloucester Fisheries Commision
If it’s close it should be to everyone if it open it sho be to everyone no one user groups
Id like to see it open but to road and reel commercial fishing only like with the comm MA striped bass.