Lawmakers, fishermen call for more reform to NOAA

BOSTON -- Lawmakers and Northeast fishermen attending a Congressional field hearing in Boston are questioning the efficiency of the federal regulatory agency monitoring the fishing industry.

Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown, Delaware Sen. Tom Carper, and others called Monday for further scrutiny of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They acknowlege the agency has made progress but say more needs to be done.

In May, the Commerce Secretary ordered the agency to return tens of thousands of dollars in fines to fishermen after a special investigator determined the penalties were excessive or unjust. The government is investigating if funds collected through fines are being used properly.

Eric Schwaab, an administrator of the National Marine Fisheries Service, said it has undergone numerous reforms and those responsible for mismanagement and unnecessary enforcement have been held accountable.