Faced with a 55 percent decline in fish landings since stringent new federal regulations went into effect May 1, the city is now asking fishermen for help.
The city last week mailed a letter to the owners of more than 60 groundfishing vessels. The future of the Portland Fish Exchange is now uncertain, the letter said, and it needs increased fish landings to ensure its continued operation.
"We have been your partners in the fish business for 25 years and you have been able to trust the exchange for fair, open trading.
