Barney Frank's Retirement: Northeast Fishermen not Psyched.

Fishermen and fishermen's daughters love Congressman Barney Frank. Now after more that 30 years in the House of Representatives, he has decided to retire. Barney, a left-handed gay Jewish man knows what it is like to be part of the minority. He has always fought the good fight in Congress for fishermen's rights.

In 2009 Barney passed a  Coast Guard Reauthorization bill
containing safety improvements for the industry. 

Frank supports non-biased fisheries research, he is adamant that NOAA not pocket any money for seafood research. He also supports socio-economic research in fishing communities and believes that the government must analyze the economic impact that strict fishing regulations have on major fishing towns like New Bedford. Frank has worked hard throughout his career to improve laws in favor of scallopers and ground fishermen in Massachusetts. Barney is a legendary negotiator and get deals done. He has be known to side with other politicians who were looking out for fishermen's rights regardless of their party affiliation. Losing direct representation of the important fishing town of New Bedford was a major factor in Barney Frank's decision to step down from the House of Reps.

Barney's 11th hour rally for ground fishermen reported by Fisherman's Voice April 2010.

Saving Seafood Bob Vanasse Interview with Barney Frank and Dr. Brian Rothschild
Click above to hear good old Barn-dawgs stick up for fishermens rights in 2012.