BOSTON — Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is asking President Barack Obama to intervene with federal regulators he says have rebuffed compromises with the struggling fishing industry.
Patrick's letter released Monday says the Commerce Department's "intransigence and disrespect" to small fishermen is undermining trust in federal regulators and threatens their financial survival.
The letter dated Friday says the federal government has denied proposals to balance fishermen's needs with measures to rebuild depleted fish stocks, including Patrick's emergency request to increase catch limits.
Last week Commerce Secretary Gary Locke denied a request from Patrick and Massachusetts congressmen to allow more fishermen accused of violating rules a chance to have their cases by a reviewed by a special master.
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