The study report released this week stating the value of most fisheries isn’t keeping up with the costs needed to harness them. It is the first comprehensive economic study of the state’s commercial fisheries shows an industry with promise but also in peril. The California Department of Fish and Game-commissioned study mentioned that the wide range of fisheries shows an industry vulnerable to globalization, regulation and competition from other food production industries.
Humboldt State University economist Steve Hackett told that the study doesn’t paint a very nice picture of what’s going on out there. It is said that the report doesn’t measure trends over time, but instead focuses on 2006. The report describe the dungeness crab was a moneymaker although it’s subject to natural, cyclical fluctuations in catch. It is informed that the economic report is meant to inform regulators of the effects policy changes and other factors can have on commercial fisheries.
According to Eureka fisherman Dave Bitts, also president of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, the report will ideally allow the state to question actions that might harm the fishing industry. Department of Fish and Game fisheries economist Terry Tillman opined that there is good numbers of information on sport fisheries from the federal government, but data on the state’s commercial fisheries was somewhat very limited. He added that this study is a treasure for the commissural fisheries.
