With the onset of the many new rules and regulations we propose, the livelihood of fishermen and members of fishing communities are undoubtedly at stake. Implementing quotas or marine protected areas may restrict fishermen's freedom to fish and an elimination of subsidies or restricting technology may increase the costs. It should be noted, however, that the regulations Mission 2011 proposes are not aimed at destroying the fishing industry-- because we, too, realize the importance of fish in our own lives and many of us are not necessarily willing to revert to a fish-free diet ourselves --but rather to transition from depleting fish stocks to sustainable fishing in order to secure the supply of fish and success of the fishing industry in years to come.
INCOMPLETE:
elimination of Days at Sea
Many areas have implemented a Days at Sea program to restrict the number of days a year fishermen are allowed to take out their boats. Proponents reason that reducing the time fishermen spend fishing, and thus the number of fish that are caught, will slow the depletion of fish stocks. This has dealt a severe blow to the industry, however, and left many fishermen frustrated and out of work. In Massachusetts, the Days at Sea program has cost the fishing industry $22 million. In response, Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy have pushed for a bill that will allot $15 million in aid for fishermen (Maguire, 2007). Earlier this year, the New England Fishery Management Council ruled to continue the Days-at-Sea program, because a better management alternative was not proposed in time.
We propose that the Days at Sea program be terminated and the fishery management rely strictly on quotas instead.
DAS Scotland: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/ssi2003/20030066.htm
Kesich, G.D. & Bell, T. (2007). "Fishery council keeps limits on days at sea." Portland Press Herald. Retrieved November 18, 2007, from http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=116294&ac=PHnws
Maguire, K. (2007). "U.S. denies request to aid fishermen." The Boston Globe. Retrieved November 18, 2007, from
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/10/23/us_denies_request_to_aid_fishermen/
Rejobbing and Retraining
As of 2004, there are approximately 38,000 people working as fishermen in the United States, making between $322 and $775 a week.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos177.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos177.htm