“Fishermen are the farmers of sea,” (March 17), states fisheries liaison Meghan Lapp in the documentary “Fishing Wars: Drowning in Regulation.” Oppressive federal regulations, inaccurate science and low quotas are crushing commercial fishing in Stonington and other communities. Fish stocks are at healthy levels, yet 90 percent of seafood consumed in the U.S. is imported. And 97 percent of those imports are not inspected by the FDA. Are you worried yet? I am. 

Federal regulation of fishing began in the 1970s to expel foreign ships. Fish stocks rebounded but locals aren’t allowed to harvest at maximum sustainable levels. Recent wind farms and a Federal Marine Monument blocked historically rich stocks that have been fished sustainably for hundreds of years. 

Shoreline communities and their visitors thrive on fresh, local seafood. Here’s how to help:

• Consume only U.S. wild-caught seafood.

• Contact Connecticut's U.S. Senators Blumenthal and Murphy to advocate for our fishermen and support the Northeast Cooperative Research Fund in this year’s budget.

• Contact U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney to support HR200, which strengthens fishing communities and provides fisheries management flexibility.

Elizabeth Saede

Stonington