Julie is the New England regional director for Environmental Defense Fund’s Oceans program.

Today’s lead editorial in the Boston Globe captures the urgency of this moment in New England as the region’s Fishery Management Council votes this week on a new catch share system.  It’s a tense time for New England fishermen.  Many are facing the biggest change in fishing management in their lives.  On top of that, they’ve been stressed for years by declining stocks and rules that made it difficult to turn a profit.  The “catch shares” that the council is expected to approve are the best chance to turn this situation around.  There’s plenty of more work ahead but the federal government is putting up to $35m on the table to help fishermen pay for the first two years of this transition.