Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today issued the following statement on the appointment of Glenn Libby to the New England Fisheries Council and the New England Fisheries Council meeting in Portland.  (Pingree wrote a letter to NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco supporting Libby’s selection to the Council)

“I am very happy that Glen Libby was appointed to the New England Fisheries Management Council.  Glen’s 30 years of experience in the fishing industry and his commitment to sustainability and sustainable fishing will make him a good addition to the Council.

“Over the next few years, the Council must work together to solve the fundamental problems facing the fisheries - overcapacity , misalignment of economic incentives and a highly complex regulatory system.  All Council members must be up for the challenge and to be willing to work towards sustainability.  Glen is a perfect candidate for the job.

“I am also very happy that the New England Fishery Management Council adopted Amendment 16 this afternoon.  New England fishermen deserve to have a fishery based on sustainability - sustainability of both the fish and the fishermen.  Amendment 16 is definitely a step in the right direction. “