Congress may overhaul fishing industry regulations
Published 8:49 am Tuesday, June 30, 2009
SEATTLE — Congress may overhaul safety regulations for the fishing industry.
The Seattle Times reports the House may vote this summer to impose new construction standards for vessels, require training for skippers and mandate Coast Guard inspections.
Sen. Maria Cantwell, who chairs a subcommittee that oversees the Coast Guard, says she agrees in principal with the House bill.
The Pacific Northwest and Alaska have some of the most treacherous fisheries. Lives were lost last year in the Bering Sea sinkings of the Seattle-based Alaska Ranger and Katmai fishing boats.
Information from: The Seattle Times, www.seattletimes.com
