Our Stories

The Latest by Roger Fleming

Staff Attorney

From 2010–2019, Roger was a member of the oceans litigation team, working with fishing communities to promote healthy ocean ecosystems in New England.

An octopus hides in the rocks in Welker Canyon.
September 14, 2015

A Monumental Opportunity for Ocean Protection

By Roger Fleming  /  Oceans Program

Members of the public are urging President Obama to protect New England’s Caches Ledge and “Grand Canyons” and seamounts by declaring them a National Marine Monument.

A blueback herring.
October 17, 2014

Earthjustice, NRDC, Fishing & Watershed Groups File Notice to Sue for ESA Protection of Imperiled River Herring

By Roger Fleming  /  Oceans Program

The Endangered Species Act is clear. Given the imperiled status of blueback herring and the lack of sufficient action by regulators to stem the decline of river herring, a threatened designation for blueback herring is now necessary to jump start recovery.

The Sacred Cod hangs in the House Chamber of Massachusetts
September 8, 2014

Not So Sacred Cod

By Roger Fleming  /  Oceans Program

We must move on habitat protection

Atlantic trawler.
July 31, 2014

Atlantic Forage Fish Need Oversight of Industrial Trawl Fleet

By Roger Fleming  /  Oceans Program

Scientists and fishermen agree that the industrial midwater trawl fleet is taking a toll on many species on the Atlantic Coast. Unfortunately, an important action to rein in this damage is facing a substantial delay.

Atlantic Trawler
May 5, 2014

Are the Feds Studying River Herring to Death?

By Roger Fleming  /  Oceans Program

The industrial Atlantic herring and mackerel fisheries continue to kill river herring by the millions as “incidental catch” with little oversight and no meaningful accountability.

August 15, 2013

Troubled Waters for Atlantic Herring

By Roger Fleming  /  Oceans Program

Pity the lowly herring, an essential species getting little love these days from the government agencies that are supposed to protect them.

December 3, 2012

Victory For Sustainable Fisheries In New England

By Roger Fleming  /  Oceans Program

A recent federal appeals court decision protects the viability of depleted groundfish species like cod and flounder in New England.

June 22, 2012

Victories For East Coast Forage Fish

By Roger Fleming  /  Oceans Program

A special thank you goes out to the thousands of Earthjustice supporters who took action over the last few months by writing to the fishery management councils. Your voices made a huge difference.