Al Cottone was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts, in 1965.  His parents immigrated from Sicily, and his father was a life-long fishermen.  Cottone graduated from Gloucester High School in 1983, and has been fishing out of Gloucester ever since.  

Scope and Content Note

Albert Cottone shares his family's deep connection to the fishing industry. His father, born in Sicily, became a fisherman due to extreme poverty and later traveled to Australia and the United States. Albert's father fished in Gloucester, eventually owning his own boat and thriving during the golden age of fishing. Albert's mother, an orphan from Sicily, was adopted by her grandparents in Gloucester. 

Albert expresses frustration with the disconnect between scientific data and fishermen's experiences, advocating for the incorporation of landed fish data into stock assessments. He discusses the impact of regulations, sectors, and tariffs on the industry, highlighting challenges faced by smaller boats. Albert acknowledges the warming of the seas but believes fishermen can adapt. He stresses the need for truthful stock assessments, increased quotas, and fair economic impact evaluations. Albert criticizes the closure of fishing areas based on single right whale sightings and emphasizes the industry's lack of resources and representation compared to NGOs. He acknowledges the positive impact of government regulations on mesh size and raises concerns about fishing based on allocated species and the industry's future. Albert also reflects on Gloucester's unique qualities, its resilience against gentrification, and the challenges of climate change, including coastal erosion. He calls for improved stock assessments, accountability from organizations like NOAA, and efforts to attract young people to the industry.