CONCORD, N.H. - East Coast fishermen, who contend that the federal government's plan to require them to pay the cost of at-sea monitoring, are awaiting a judge's decision.
Under new rules, fishermen of important New England food species such as cod and haddock will have to start paying the cost of at-sea monitors soon. Monitors collect data to help determine future fishing quotas and can cost about $800 per day.
The fishermen's challenge was the subject of a hearing at U.S. District Court in Concord on Thursday. The judge didn't issue an order from the bench, so a decision is expected in the future.
Hampton, New Hampshire-based David Goethel says many fishermen won't be able to afford the added cost of monitors. He is one of the fishermen involved in the lawsuit.