Residents of Gloucester and the surrounding communities of Cape Ann who are interested in preserving an industry and way of life that dates to the Dorchester Bay Company's arrival here in 1623, should mark Monday, Sept. 13, on their calendars.
That's when the newly released documentary, "Truth: Fishing Crisis or Government Mismanagement," will be coming to Gloucester.
Produced by third-generation Rhode Island fisherman Brian Loftes, and directed and edited by Dana Neugent of the University of Rhode Island film department, the 54-minute documentary "tells the true story of the American fisherman, fighting against the sea, the weather, tough economic times and, most importantly, the United States government in an attempt to protect his family, his home, his heritage, and his dignity."
Sponsored by the Office of Gloucester Mayor Carolyn Kirk, this first-in-Massachusetts screening of "Truth" will be held in the auditorium of Gloucester High School, starting at 7 p.m. Following the showing, the mayor will moderate a panel discussion involving, among others, the filmmakers and representatives of the region's onshore and off-shore fishing industry.
I believe this will be one of the most important events to be held here in recent years, with the documentary and follow-up discussion, as stated in the mayor's recent press release, serving to raise public awareness regarding the flawed government policies and regulations that threaten the livelihoods and way of life for thousands of fishermen, their families, and related industries here in New England and throughout the rest of the nation.
These are desperate times for America's small, family-owned-and-operated commercial fishing operations, an important sector of the national economy that is now being intentionally driven toward extinction by a government that, ironically, boasts of a commitment to preserving and creating American jobs.
As citizens, let's not sit back and look on indifferently as the clock is allowed to run out for many in an industry that has long had to cope with and endure the difficult trials and hardships involved in harvesting the rich and abundant food source provided by the sea.
The time has come for us, the larger, on-shore, non-fishing community, to come together in support of our commercial fishermen's fight for survival, now at the most critical stage in their nearly 400-year history.
To learn more about the ever-deepening, government-managed fisheries crisis, and learn what can be done to aid in the cause of today's endangered fishermen, make it a point to attend the film's Sept. 13, 7 p.m. showing at Gloucester High School.
Certainly there is nothing on television that night than could hold a candle to the relevance this not-to-be-missed documentary has to everyday life here on Cape Ann.
"Truth: Fishing Crisis or Government Mismanagement" and follow-up discussion is offered free of charge to the public. Admission will be on a first-come, first-serve basis — so plan to show up a little early.
Jim Munn, a regular Times contributor, is the boys' track & field coach at Gloucester High School.
