If you can make the time, please make a couple of phone calls to better manage Massachusetts Marine FisheriesProblem: It seems likely that the Secretary of Commerce, under pressure from the White House and others, may appoint Jim Kendall to the NEFMC, instead of Jim Fair and against the recommendation of the Governor of Massachusetts. Obviously this assumes the reappointment of John Pappalardo, but we must nevertheless reinforce that critical need first and foremost. John’s qualifications and broad support are well known and easily communicated.
Jim Fair is a life-long fishermen, career marine biologist, and former deputy director of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. As Governor Patrick said in his letter dated March 12, 2008, Fair is a "pragmatic and competent regulator with proven ability to work with constituent groups to improve fisheries management strategies." Fair exemplifies the leadership and understanding necessary to carry out the region's vision for sustainable fisheries. Fair is also well-known to CCCHFA fishermen and well-liked, having been an instrumental part of their cod-tagging team and spent time on their vessels.
In contrast, Jim Kendall, an industry lobbyist who was added as a nominee two weeks after the Governor's list was sent to the Secretary of Commerce, has been well-known and out-spoken opponent of appropriate conservation and management strategies for years. He has not been a constructive participant in the management process, working to evade the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, rather than comply with them. The New England Council's Executive Committee has removed him from several advisory panels (e.g., Scallop Advisory Panel and the Herring Advisory Panel) because he used his positions on the committees to lobby for the interests of his clients rather than to solve the problems of the fisheries. As further proof of why Kendall would be the wrong choice, the Council decided not to appoint him to the Monkfish, Groundfish, and Habitat Advisory Panels, despite a long-standing tradition that former Council members' requests to join such panels are granted as a matter of course. In addition, there have been a number of concerns raised about whether Kendall's nomination complies with NOAA's regulations.
Jim Fair is broadly supported by commercial and recreational fishing groups as well as conservation interests based on his reputation of being fair-minded and decision-making in the public's interest, unlike Jim Kendall who is likely to represent narrow private interests.
Solution: Timely phone calls to key Massachusetts decision-makers on the State and Federal level who can reinforce what the Commonwealth wants by communicating their support for John Pappalardo and Jim Fair to the Secretary of Commerce.
Also calls to the Federal officials who need to honor the original recommendations of the Governor by appointing John Pappalardo and Jim Fair
For this we need Massachusetts fishermen to place five phone calls and deliver these messages
Target #1: Secretary Ian Bowles Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs: Phone: (617) 626-1000
Message: Tell Secretary Bowles you want him to tell NMFS and DOC that you’re a Massachusetts fishermen and you want John Pappalardo and Jim Fair. Jim Fair came from the State. Kendall came from NMFS and you won’t be happy with him or with being marginalized from the appointment process if he is chosen
Targets #2 and #3: Senator John Kerry (202) 224-2742 or (617) 565-8519 Senator Edward Kennedy (202) 224-4543 or 617) 565-3170
Message: Ask the Senators to please send a letter to the Secretary of Commerce endorsing John Pappalardo and Jim Fair. Kendall does not represent the interests of Massachusetts; Jim Fair does. Massachusetts advocates change in fisheries management. Kendall helped create the current failed system and will continue the status quo. Jim Fair is proactive and progressive.
Targets #4 and #5: Carrie Selberg: Office of Commerce Secretary Carlos Guttierez and lead staff for NEFMC Appointments 202-482-2423 Scott Rayder: Chief Deputy for Admiral Lautenbacher, head of NOAA 202-482-3436
Message: Jim Kendall will be a huge step backwards for Massachusetts. Please urge the Secretary and the Admiral to accept the forward-thinking recommendation of Governor Patrick and appoint the candidates best for the Commonwealth at this critical time: John Pappalardo and Jim Fair.
Letter Targets, Addresses, Fax #’s and Emails:
Scott Rayder Chief of Staff for NOAA Office of the Under Secretary 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW Room 6217 Washington, DC 20230 Fax: (202) 482-3154 Email: Scott.Rayder@noaa.gov
Carrie Selberg Fishery Management Specialist NMFS- Office of the Assistant Administrator 1315 East West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910 Fax: (301) 713-1175 Email: carrie.selberg@noaa.gov
Senator Edward Kennedy 317 Russell Senate Building Washington D.C. 20510 Fax: (202) 224-2417 Email: Use web-based form at http://kennedy.senate.gov/senator/contact.cfm
Senator John Kerry 304 Russell Bldg. Third Floor Washington D.C. 20510 Fax: (202) 224-8525 Email: Use web-based form at http://kerry.senate.gov/low/contact_email.html
Secretary Ian Bowles, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900 Boston, MA 02114 Fax: (617) 626-1181 Email: env.internet@state.ma.us
Thanks folks, I sure appreciate it.
Bruce & Marilyn S
