Feds turn down Kerry request for cod assessment

BOSTON (AP) - The nation's oceans chief has turned down a request made first by Sen. John Kerry for a new assessment of the health of Gulf of Maine cod.

New data indicates cod is badly overfished, and fishermen now face ruinous cuts in their catch. The data has drawn skepticism from fishermen because it's a reversal of a recent, optimistic study.

In December, Kerry had asked for a new cod assessment that fishermen can trust.

In a reply earlier this month, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration head Jane Lubchenco said a new assessment can't be done in time for managers to make decisions for the May start of the fishing year.

She also said the agency doesn't yet have new data needed to move ahead with further assessments. She assured Kerry she is committed to helping fishermen.