Question

Read the following quote from U.S. Congressman Gerry Studds, “If John Cabot were alive today, he would not recognize Georges Bank. Instead of a sea swarming with majestic cod, he would find dogfish. Instead of flounder, he would find skates. Instead of a fishermen's dream, he would find a nightmare“. (1991) What do you think he meant by this quote?

Answer 1

he is trying to find things that interest him, he isn't trying to find things that isn't going to interest him.
( to be honest I don't know hope this helps )

Answer 2

He is talking about the aspirations of a death man, John Cabot, and the "good" things he hoped for Georges Bank. He wanted greatness, and the reality was there was not more than a disaster. Nothing had turned the way he expected.

We can notice because of the contrast seen in the words used: He wanted lots and good fishes, (using a metaphor) and got bad and disastrous ones.