Jul 15, 2008 11:15 pm US/Eastern
Mass. Laws Protect Fragile Fishing Industry
GLOUCESTER (WBZ) ―
Fishing is one of the oldest industries in the U.S., and in coastal communities it's still one of the most important.
In Massachusetts, environmental police patrol the state's waters, protecting the future of the fishing industry.
Patrolling more than 1,500 miles of Massachusetts coastline, the Environmental police are fully deputized to enforce both state and federal laws.
One of their top priorities is protecting the fragile fishing industry.
The area off the coast of Gloucester is off limits to fishing, but they recently caught a boat pulling in almost 2,000 pounds of illegal cod.
"The purpose of having specific measurements (of fish) is what?" WBZ's Mish Michaels asked Environmental Police Officer Mike Lees.
"It's to allow the species to reproduce so that the next generation will have something to catch," Lees explained.
"So if you weren't policing that, what would happen to the fishing industry?" Michaels asked.
"There would really be a high level of extinction," Lees said.
On board the Padre Pio, crew members know these rules, which can carry fines or be criminal offenses if violated.
"Everything that we catch we measure," one crew member said. "We put them on this board. It's a lot of work but we'd rather be safe than sorry."
Lobsters are also protected -- both for size in general and for females capable of reproducing.
When a lobster fishermen catches a lobster that's bearing eggs they must throw them overboard.
Those actions protect the future of the maritime industry and have a long-term effect on consumers all over the state.
"Without a good supply of fish, the price would be driven way, way up, and I feel it's the best fish in the country," Lees said. "We are stewards of the environment. We are just lucky in Massachusetts to have such great natural resources."
The Environmental police are also responsible for enforcing laws such as the proper disposal of hazardous waste, protecting wetlands and hunting regulations.
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