On Feb. 8 the New England Fisheries Management Council voted 12-4, with one abstention, to continue exploring the concept of local area management as an alternative to the current days at sea management system. The council also voted to continue work on a “points” system proposed by the Northeast Seafood Coalition. Over 30 fishermen were present, along with representatives from sustainable development and environmental groups, to show their support for the Area Management Coalition’s proposal. Craig Pendleton, director of the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance and chair of the Area Management Coalition, described how local area management can be achieved in New England. For more information about the Area Management Coalition contact Pendleton at 207-284-5374.