Reply #9: The Red Tide issue

[kerrygoddess]

The fishing/seafood industry has taken a lot of hits in recent years.

This Red Tide situation is really an economic disaster for the areas affected. There are a lot of related undustries affected by this including restaurants and tourism.

Before this the industry has been dealing with areas being overfished, quotas on some fish, competing with larger commercial fishing companies and commercial companies from other countries fishing in our waters. Our fisherman often need to go farther out, stay out longer and thus, are putting lives in more danger.

It's a very, very dangerous business. Most people don't get that situations similar to "Perfect Storm" happen frequently. I knew one of the guys on that boat. Most families who rely on the fishing industry for a living will never send a father and son out on the same boat, or multiple family members. It's too risky.

The people in the industry who have tried to deal with the SBA in the past have learned that the SBA makes you jump through hoops and it takes forever. Anyone who has been through process of applying for an SBA understands that.

Kerry has consistently fought to make things easier for all sorts of small businesses to get funding. The MicroLoan program was his "baby" and although considerably easier and quicker, it's still hoop jumping. I just went through the process last July and it took about 6 weeks before I finally got approved for a pitance.

On Friday Kerry took things a step further and asked the Commerce Department to step in and declare a disaster under "under Section 312 (a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act" which will overstep the SBA and provide direct relief which is now needed.

http://www.lightupthedarkness.org/blog/default.asp?view=plink&id=1062

So, yes JK is in touch with his constituents and he understands the issue that fisherman and the seafood industry face. His concerns for the industry affect not just his constituents in MA but the entire industry.