BOSTON - Senator John Kerry today issued the following statement on Commerce Department's decision to declare a ‘red tide' disaster in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.

"This disaster declaration is a lifeline for thousands of our shellfishermen. Communities up and down our coast have been walloped by the latest red tide contamination and will now be eligible for federal financial assistance. I am very grateful that Secretary Gutierrez heard our calls for help to provide fishermen some of what they need to get back on their feet," said Senator Kerry.

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