The authorities for New England’s fisheries will consider whether to expand the new system to a majority of the region’s fleet fishing for cod, haddock, flounder and other groundfish stocks, in recognition of the tremendous success of the Cape Cod-based Georges Bank sectors. It is told that the decision of the New England Fisheries Management Council has the potential to turn around the region’s failing fisheries, increasing profits for fishermen and local fishing communities, and rebuilding New England’s once abundant groundfish stocks.
But this introducing this new system has a significant risk that its success could be undermined if the council doesn’t approve a fair and equitable system that holds all fishermen accountable for their catch. It is observed that sectors have provided the independent fishermen of Cape Cod, working as part of the Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen’s Association, a chance to transition to a more profitable and sustainable fishery.
The main hurdle is that not all the fishermen will join a Sector under the new rules. Those who do not could have the opportunity to continue with destructive fishing practices, undermining the new system. Without a comprehensive catch-monitoring program, it’s impossible to track the fishery as it approaches annual catch limits and, therefore, nearly impossible to end overfishing.
It is opined that such fishing limits and reporting requirements should apply to the entire fishery regardless of whether fishermen choose to join a Sector. If this will not then the fish stocks and the entire fishery will be jeopardized. Now all the eyes are on the council who will decide on the new management system in Portland, Maine, all of the council members will support a progressive management plan that can finally rebuild fish stocks and protect fishermen at the same time.
