Fishermen's concerns took center stage during the recent Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board meeting in Nantucket, as discussions heated up around extending the fishing season and increasing catch limits.

Key voices in the meeting, including Adam Spencer, expressed a preference for extending the fishing season by two weeks into April rather than raising the catch limit from six to seven. Spencer highlighted that many fishermen might be planning vacations at the end of the season, which could lead to fewer participants if the season were extended.

The conversation underscored the importance of balancing the needs of local fishermen with sustainable practices. While some members, like Spencer, showed skepticism about increasing the limit, they acknowledged that raising the limit would not require fishermen to take the maximum allowed catch.

This dialogue reflects ongoing efforts to manage local fisheries responsibly while considering the livelihoods of those who depend on them. The board's next steps will likely involve further discussions on these proposals, as they seek to find a solution that satisfies both conservation goals and the fishing community's needs.