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While John Vasques admits that a complete moratorium on all cod fishing may be the only answer, the National Marine Fisheries is looking for the middle ground. They hope the imposition of new restrictions, combined with the buyout program, will protect the fish and simultaneouly keep the fisherman in business. Instead of relief, both the fishermen and the fish seem to be feeling a tighter and tighter pinch.
As part of the government buyback program, Vasques was required to retire his boat from fishing by sinking it or donating it to a charity. He didn't want to sink the boat, but doubted anyone would be in interested in an old wooden boat. In the final days, a charity stepped forward to accept the boat and saved John Vasques the financial and emotional costs of sinking the boat that served his family well for so many years.
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