September 19, 2012 (HYANNIS) _ Two dozen legislators have written congressional leaders to ask for $100 million in disaster relief funding to help the Northeast's fishing industry survive coming cuts.

The letter was signed by congressmen and senators from around the region.

It follows last week's federal declaration of a commercial fishery failure in the Northeast.

The declaration opens up the possibility of significant federal aid, but doesn't guarantee it.

In the letter, lawmakers noted fishermen are facing massive cuts in their catch limits in 2013 - over 70 percent in some species.

They say the aid is needed to preserve the industry.