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Measuring around 18 miles long, New Hampshire has the smallest shoreline of all coastal states. But for about 400 years, it’s been enough to support small boat fishermen in the Seacoast region. They make their livings cruising New England’s waters for cod, lobster, shrimp and other stocks.For decades, the industry’s been challenged by declining populations of fish and shellfish, as well as changing federal regulations. As of 2010, New England fishermen are allowed to catch a set poundage of fish based on their take over a 10-year span. New Hampshire fishermen argue this change has made the cost of working outpace profits, forced many small boats out of business, and discouraged new people from entering the industry. No matter the cause, figures from the US Census Bureau clearly show an industry in decline. In Portsmouth, the Seacoast’s main city, the Census Bureau reports only 0.2 percent of residents work in the “Farming, fishing and forestry occupations” category. That’s compared to 0.6 percent in 2000. A number of New Hampshire fishermen, politicians, and historians believe that without change, the state’s small boat fishing industry is heading toward extinction.Summary provided by StateImpact NH

Towns Seek State Conservation Status for Warner River

Photo courtesy of Chris Connors
The Warner River seen from a bridge in Warner, New Hampshire.

Residents of Warner and surroundings towns have requested to place the Warner River under a state environmental protection program. 

The Warner River is a favorite location for trout fisherman and kayakers. Joining New Hampshire's River Management and Protection Program would mean that people who live near the river will have a say in conserving it.

The program would create a local advisory council for development projects, explained Sam Durfee of the Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission at a public hearing on Tuesday. “The idea being, if there’s a large impervious surface development in Bradford, Warner might have something to say about that as they draw from the ground-water aquifers that are supplied by the Warner River.”

Eighteen New Hampshire rivers are already in the program. The plan for the Warner River will now head to the statehouse to seek approval from legislators. 

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