CONCORD, New Hampshire — A group of East Coast fishermen who are challenging the federal government about the cost of at-sea monitoring is due for a hearing in court.
New England fishermen will have to start paying the cost of at-sea monitors soon under new rules. Fishermen challenging the rules are due in U.S. District Court in Concord on Thursday for a hearing on their motion for an injunction.
At-sea monitors collect data to help determine future fishing quotas. The monitors can cost about $800 per trip. A group of fishermen contends that the cost shift is illegal.
One of the fishermen involved in the lawsuit is Hampton, New Hampshire-based David Goethel. He says many fishermen won’t be able to afford the added cost.