New England Port Services Victim Of Fish Limits

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Federal fishing limits that are reducing work for New England's fishermen are having an impact on port services that maintain and repair their boats.

A Stonington, Conn., marine supply business is shutting down, and the head of the Rhode Island Fishermen's Alliance warns that the industry could become obsolete.

An official at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the sharp cuts in fishing catches are needed to help fish stocks rebound. The most significant fishing cut is a 78 percent reduction in the catch of Gulf of Maine cod. Fishermen also are forced to take in fewer flounder and haddock species.

A downturn at port services could ripple through the industry, reducing the supply of fuel, drivers who deliver the fuel and workers who weigh and cut fish.