Here is the article

Massachusetts Mailing out Checks for $5.4 million in aid to fishermen today

SEAFOOD.COM NEWS [Copyright 2003 Globe Newspaper Company The Boston Globe ] May 2, 2003 - Beginning today, the state's Division of Marine Fisheries will begin mailing out $5.4 million in emergency aid to more than 600 Massachusetts fishermen, including 160 boat owners in Gloucester.
The funding, which was approved by Congress last year, is expected to offset the loss of income incurred by local cod, flounder, and haddock fishermen after new federal regulations placed tough restrictions on the amount of days they could work. US Court Judge Gladys Kessler reduced ground fishermen's days at sea by 20 percent. Other boat owners lost even more days when the judge ruled that fishermen who had purchased used boats would have to abide by the fishing history of the previous owner.
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Interesting article.

Now if we can get Fed Aid for Commercial Salmon Fisherman I am all for it. By that I mean fully subsidize them and pay them to stay the heck off the water.

It would be nice to get them commercial boats off the water.