PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee (CHAY’-fee) has asked the federal government to declare a disaster in the New England groundfish fishery to help the region’s struggling fleet.

Chafee on Friday issued a request to the U.S. Department of Commerce. He cites significant cuts in catch limits for species as cod, haddock, and yellowtail flounder that are projected for 2013.