Somerville, MA -- U.S. Senate candidate and consumer advocate Elizabeth Warren today called on the Federal Government to issue a disaster declaration for New England’s fishermen. Warren’s request comes after the New England Fishery Management Council reported earlier this month that fishing quotas for New England groundfish stocks are likely to be reduced next year.

"I am deeply troubled by the new report suggesting massive reductions in catch limits for 2013," said Warren. "The projected reductions would seriously damage our fishermen and our fishing communities, who have already been hit hard. The Federal Government should get its act together and issue the disaster declaration that New England's governors and Congressional delegations have demanded."

A federal declaration would provide disaster assistance to Massachusetts fishermen, who are threatened by the potential reduction in catch limits. The Department of Commerce has not yet responded to the Governor's request for a disaster declaration from last year. Warren believes the Federal Government must work with fishermen and scientists to examine current regulations in order to promote sustainable fishing stocks while protecting the Massachusetts fishing industry.