Photo: Jim MacKay/WBZ NewsRadio
PLYMOUTH, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Higher fuel prices brought on by the war with Iran are not just impacting people on the roads, but also at sea.
Local fishing crews are dealing with the skyrocketing cost of diesel, which as of Monday reached an average of $5.79 in Massachusetts, according to AAA.
"I had a feeling it was coming our way, and here we are," said Marty, an independent fisherman. "It’s definitely gonna hit the bottom line for everybody."
"It’s ludicrous. It’s just stupid," said Mike, who is part of a crew in Plymouth feeling the sting of higher gas prices, especially when some of their traps do not come back full. "We’re just going and not getting paid for it, but the boats have to go. And then we’ll come in, take fuel, turn around, and go again."
The soaring costs come ahead of one of the busiest times of year for commercial fishermen.
"The impact it’s going to have on our commercial fishing guys this summer, I can’t even imagine," Marty said.
Terrence operates a small fishing charter out of Plymouth. He told WBZ NewsRadio he is not making nearly as many trips, and with no signs of the fuel problem going away anytime soon, he just has to grin and bear it.
"It’s a necessary evil, if you’re going to enjoy time on the water," said Terrence.
The fishermen who spoke with WBZ said they are hoping a strong summer of seafood hungry New Englanders will help offset any losses.
WBZ's Jim MacKay reports.