New Hampshire is receiving nearly $1 million in direct federal fishery disaster assistance to help an industry that's been suffering from declining fish populations and stringent federal regulations.
In all, the state will receive more than $2 million in funds. The rest of the money is still to be distributed and used at the state's discretion.
In 2012, the U.S. Commerce Department declared a fisheries resource disaster for the Northeast fishery after research showed several key fish stocks, such as cod and flounder, were not rebuilding despite catch limits. The declaration also predicted those species would continue to fall.
U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Kelly Ayotte welcomed the news. They had met with federal officials to discuss disaster relief and ways to protect the fishing industry.
