A new system is on the anvil that would place limits on groups of fishermen, who would form cooperatives known as “sectors,” rather than individuals. The fishermen would then figure out among themselves how to fish within their sector’s limits. New England Fishery Management Council has adopted the new rules under which New England would have 19 sectors for catch bottom-dwelling species such as cod and flounder.
It is said that the new system would help reduce problems associated with overfishing by getting the commercial fishing industry to take more interest in the health of fish stocks. Patricia Kurkul, regional administrator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries service, called the move “a real step in the right direction.” He informed that there are sustainable fisheries and fishermen in a better position to make business decisions without the current restrictions.
Kurkul also said that fishermen remain skeptical about the new rules. Joe Orlando, a Gloucester fish captain with 35 years of experience, added that they are being forced into sectors as there is not enough fish to go around, and a lot of people are going to leave the business.
