The authority has passed order to demolish, transfer and in some cases, reactivation of the derelict commercial fishing vessels. The step has been taken to remove the ailing boats and deadbeats from the active fishing fleet. The operation was organized by Mayor Scott W. Lang and overseen by Port Director Kristin Decas. The operation also involves the Harbor Development Commission, Police Department and office of Bristol County District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter.
“There are fines, penalties and criminal action if any commercial fishing boat owners refuses to cooperate,” said Decas. Two boats and its owners are taken to court for failure to comply with harbour officials’ demands. According to the officials derelict boats have series of problems such as they block limited berthing space for other commercial fishermen, they are a safety and sinking hazard, they can break free and damage other vessels and, their owners often fail to pay fees to the city and lack insurance, they boosts the costs for every one.
Decas informed that vessels should be in good shape, seaworthy and pay fees. She also said that the first group of boats has been demolished and another is scheduled for demolition. She added that as the city is one of the most active commercial fishing ports on a boat count basis and first in value of fish landed, working fishermen welcome the operation of cleaning up dock space.
According to Decas 500 commercial fishing boats are using the port and another 300 calling it home and thus created congestion. She said that the demand for prime dock space is high and the present area is limited and so the Harbour Development Commission has modified its rules and regulations.
