Whether you’re a commercial fisherman, a processor, a
charter boat operator, or you just fish for enjoyment, you know that groundfish
seasons, fishing areas and harvest levels on the West Coast aren’t what they
used to be. The main reason is that we are required to rebuild fish stocks that
have been designated as “overfished,” including species like canary and
yelloweye rockfish, bocaccio, and cowcod. No matter the reason for low population
levels, we give up our ability to harvest healthy stocks in order to stay
within the rebuilding plan requirements.
I think everyone would agree that maintaining a sustainable
fishery is important. However, most people involved in fisheries also think
that there needs to be a reasonable balance between rebuilding depleted stocks
and having access to species that are flourishing. Unfortunately, the law and
the court decisions on the West Coast that have interpreted the law don’t allow
that balance to be struck. The result is lost harvest opportunities and
foregone economic benefits for our coastal communities. What we need is
flexibility in the law to make reasoned choices, to be able to give a little
here and take a little there so that we keep biologically productive fisheries
without putting people out of work.
And that’s why coming to the Keep Fishermen Fishing rally in
Washington, D.C., on March 21st is something more West Coast
fishermen need to consider. There will be plenty of people in attendance from
the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico but we need to have our voices heard too.
A cross-country trip isn’t easy but this is one where you can bring the family,
tour the cherry blossoms and the museums, and show your kids how democracy in
action works. Most important, you will be letting our Congressional
representatives know that we, too, have concerns about how our fisheries will
be managed.
Submitted by Rod Moore, executive director of the West Coast Seafood Processors Association in Portland, Ore. You can check out the WCSPA on Facebook at Facebook.com/WCSPA or its website at WCSPA.com. For more info about the rally, visit keepfishermenfishing.com.
I agree with everything you said Susan. We should really start using good management practices to safeguard, secure fish stocks for the future. This way we are helping protect the marine environment.
ReplyDeleteBy: Westport Fishing