USDA Asked to Boost Sales of Atlantic Spiny Dogfish

WASHINGTON (Saving Seafood) July 1, 2013—A bipartisan group of eight Senators and eleven Representatives – all from states highly affected by the Northeast fishery crisis – wrote to Thomas Vilsack, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), requesting the Agency use USDA Section 32 to boost consumer demand for the plentiful Atlantic Spiny Dogfish stock and bring relief to the historic fishery.

Under Section 32, the USDA has authority to purchase commodities like meats, poultry, fruit, vegetables, and fish, which are traditionally diverted to domestic school and nutrition programs. The lawmakers noted that this initiative “would keep fishermen on the water, support shore-side industries, and provide healthy and affordable alternatives to consumers.”

The Senators and Representatives stated the need for this measure, noting: “While the historic groundfish stock is in a state of emergency [despite fishermen's adherence to strict catch limits], dogfish stocks are thriving.” They continued, “Now, it is our hope that groundfish fishermen affected by the disaster can turn to the abundant dogfish stock using their existing boats, equipment, and expertise. Unfortunately, due to the lack of a strong existing domestic market and soft market conditions in Europe, Northeastern fishermen and processors have limited opportunities to sell this good product.”

Many of the lawmakers, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, have been highly active in U.S. fishery policy. They note that previous “bipartisan attempts to appropriate disaster relief for the region's fishing communities have not been successful to date.” Their letter also includes a letter to the USDA from 13 industry organizations requesting support for the Section 32 initiative.