June 22, 2006Fishermen’s Partnership to Honor State Senator Bruce Tarr
The Massachusetts Fishermen’s Partnership (MFP) will honor State Senator
Bruce Tarr during the organizations 2006 Annual Meeting on June 24 at the
Manor Inn in Gloucester. Massachusetts Senator Bruce Tarr will be presented
with the MFP’s highest honor, the Wheelhouse Award for his stalwart support
of the Massachusetts commercial fishing industry.
Senator Tarr played a leading role in helping the Rockport commercial
fishing fleet to organize the Pigeon Cove Fishermen’s Co-Op. He also assisted
the Co-Op secure financing for the purchase of their wharf, which has been
sold to Rockport with a covenant in the deed providing that commercial
fishermen will forever have use of the property. There would be no commercial
fishermen left in Pigeon Cove if the Co-Op had not succeeded and Bruce Tarr
was there to help make sure it happened.
Increasing competition for waterfront properties for non-marine industry
related use is a growing problem throughout Massachusetts. Fishermen
everywhere face proposals for residential and other non-marine related uses
of waterfront properties once reserved for use by commercial fishermen.
Senator Tarr’s leadership in Rockport and the formation of the Pigeon Cove
Fishermen’s Cooperative is an important example of how commercial fishing can
continue operating in Massachusetts’ ports to provide good jobs and high
quality seafood for all citizens.
The Massachusetts Fishermen's Partnership (MFP) is an umbrella
organization of 18 commercial fishing associations representing all gear and
geographic sectors of the Massachusetts fishing industry. The organization
was created to promote the common interests and economic viability of
commercial fishermen and fishing families. The MFP is sponsor of the Fishing
Partnership Health Plan, which provides comprehensive healthcare coverage for
almost 2000 members in the fishing community.
|
