Sen. Somers to Hold Panel Discussion on the Plight of Local Commercial Connecticut Fishermen

HARTFORD, Conn. – State Senator Heather Somers (R-Groton) announced she will hold a public forum and panel discussion on the plight of Connecticut Commercial Fishermen, along with a viewing of the Hollywood International and Independent Documentary Awarded Film – Fishing Wars; Drowning in Regulations.

“Our local fishermen’s livelihood is critically threatened by overreaching regulations created by Washington bureaucrats who in many cases have never stepped foot on a fishing vessel,” said Sen. Somers. “Commercial fishing has been an integral part of Southeastern Connecticut’s way of life since before there were colonies. Local families going back generations have worked the sea to provide fresh seafood and feed the Eastern seaboard. These small proud family businesses are now on the verge of closing forever.  I am looking forward to this panel discussion so that we can bring awareness to the problem, listen to first-hand experiences and work together to take steps to remedy it and help fishermen prosper in our state again. I want to encourage residents in Southeastern Connecticut to come to this free, open forum event.”

WHO: State Senator Heather Somers (R-Groton) with Panelists – Rich Fuka, Mike Gambardella, Bobby Guzzo, Meghan Lapp, Former First Selectman for the Town of Stonington Michael Spellman, Joel Hovanesian and Tom William

WHAT: Panel Discussion and Public Forum on the Plight of the Connecticut Commercial Fishermen

WHERE: Mystic Art Theatre, 27 Coogan Blvd., Mystic

WHEN: Wednesday, March 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

For more information please contact Erika Pocock at 800-842-1421.