Commercial Fishing Law Representation for Clients Nationwide
Maritime Law Is Unique
Commercial fishing regulations are complex. Continuing to fish while combating litigation is difficult. Working with an attorney well-versed in the procedures, regulations, statutes and developments specific to this area of law is critical to a achieving a successful resolution of your matter, whether it be a fishery management plan, injury, wage claim or any other matter.
We represent clients nationwide. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact us online or call us toll free at 877-275-5191.
The Law Office of Patrick Flanigan offers knowledge and insight into maritime law and the commercial fishing industry gained through firsthand experience. Attorney Patrick Flanigan spent nearly 20 years working at sea as a scallop fisherman, captain and boat owner. Before opening his own firm, he also served as an expert witness, providing testimony for maritime litigation including Jones Act personal injury.
Maritime Law Is Unique
Commercial fishing regulations are complex. Continuing to fish while combating litigation is difficult. Working with an attorney well-versed in the procedures, regulations, statutes and developments specific to this area of law is critical to a achieving a successful resolution of your matter, whether it be a fishery management plan, injury, wage claim or any other matter.
At the Law Office of Patrick Flanigan, we offer focused and effective representation for commercial fishing and other maritime law issues, including:
- National Marine Fisheries Service: The NMFS is the federal regulatory agency for fishery management. Using legislation and working with regional offices and councils, it encourages compliance and enforces regulations. To operate within the parameters of the laws and fish management plans while protecting your rights and livelihood, it is important to work with a lawyer experienced in commercial fishing and fish management.
- Fishery Management Plans: FMPs spell out various criteria for the management of a fishery. Regulations promulgated by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), along with FMPs developed by regional councils, touch on everything including gear restrictions, fishing permits, VMS requirements, closed areas and vessel movements. If you wish to challenge an FMP, whether as an individual or group of fishermen, you only have a limited time in which to act to protect your best interests.
- NOVA, NOPS and fishing permit violations: For commercial fishermen and boat owners receiving a Notice of Violation and Assessment (NOVA) or Notice of Permit Sanction (NOPS) can put your livelihood at risk. There are numerous potential violations under the Magnuson-Stevens Act as well as under any fishery management plan, such as fishing in excess of your quota, illegal gear, fishing in a closed area and actions involving Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), which demand prompt and knowledgeable legal action.
- Jones Act and wage claims: If you are a commercial fisherman or other seaman and have been injured at sea or denied wages you are owed, we will help you pursue your claim. Unlike land-based work injury and wage claims, marine-based claims involve a host of complicated procedures, including the discovery process that calls for the seasoned and knowledgeable representation our firm will provide.
- Injury claims by longshoremen and shipyard workers: We also represent longshoremen and shipyard workers who have been injured on the job. These employees, who often work in hazardous marine environments, include barge workers, dock workers, floating casino workers, and workers on oil rigs or construction platforms. Our firm handles both initial claims and appeals under the federal Longshoremen and Harbor Workers' Act, including wrongful discharge or discrimination.
- Boat foreclosures: If you are a boat owner facing financial challenges, our firm can assist you to secure bankruptcy protection and negotiate on your behalf with banks, gear suppliers and shipyards. In some circumstances, a bank may opt to scrap a boat and just strip the fishing permit. We are experienced with the special considerations relating to fishing permits when a possible foreclosure is involved.
Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation
At the Law Office of Patrick Flanigan, we represent clients in commercial fishing and maritime matters nationwide, including states along the Eastern seaboard, such as Maine (ME), Massachusetts (MA), New York (NY), New Jersey (NJ), Maryland (MD), North Carolina (NC) and South Carolina (SC) as well as Alaska (AK), Florida (FL), and the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Contact us online or call us toll free at 877-275-5191 to schedule your free and confidential initial consultation.
For your convenience, we offer evening and weekend appointments and off-site meetings. Contingent, hourly and other negotiated fee structures are available and may be customized to the needs of a commercial fisherman.