[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 140 (Monday, September 28, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1367-E1368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE FISHERIES SURVIVAL FUND AND THE 46TH ANNUAL 
          BLESSING OF THE FLEET IN NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 28, 2015

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fisheries 
Survival Fund for receiving the Friend of the Fishing Industry Award at 
the annual Blessing of the Fleet, held in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
   Established in New Bedford in 1969, the Blessing of the Fleet is a 
time-honored tradition that has been celebrated by fishing communities 
since the Archaic period. Legend speaks of Greek fishermen asking 
clergy to bless their boats and crews, providing well wishes for safe 
sailing and heavy nets while out to sea. Fittingly, the top fishing 
port of New Bedford has continued this practice for nearly fifty years.
   This year's recipient of the Offshore Mariners' Wives Association's 
Friend of the Fishing Industry award is the Fisheries Survival Fund 
(FSF). Established to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sea 
scallop fishery, FSF plays an incredibly important role in preserving 
and advocating for an industry that provides more than 50 million 
pounds of sea scallops each year and helping the port retain its status 
as the most profitable port on the East Coast and within the 
continental United States.
   The Fisheries Survival Fund is intrinsically imbedded in the South 
Coast's fishing community. From working with academic institutions and 
independent experts to conduct research on sustainability, partnering 
with the federal government to ensure responsible management of the 
fishery, and by pioneering a management system and improving practices, 
FSF has helped to preserve and grow the scallop industry.
   Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to recognize the Fisheries 
Survival Fund's receipt of the Friend of the Fishing Industry award and 
the role FSF has played in the greater New Bedford fishing community.

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