The Sorting Table delves into commercial fishing news from coast to coast. The editorial staff of National Fisherman invites you to share your insights on what’s going on in the industry.
CategoriesRecent EntriesCatch shares: A nation dividedSupporting cast growingGetting ready for the rallyWhat's next for Maine's shrimpers?"That conversation is going to have to happen"California cannabis cultivation compromising cohos? No accounting for fund mismanagementAt least put a label on itWhetting your app-etite for Copper River salmonCod cuts illustrate need for March 21 fishermen's rallyRecent CommentsMike Dolan on NOAA is all apologiesBrian on Introducing the iLobsterBen on Introducing the iLobsterBeringFisherman on Groundfish catch shares going bi-coastal Dick Allen on Jane, doh!National Fisherman on Jane, doh!Wreckfish on Jane, doh!Sierra Anderson on Facing factsken grimshaw on Tough loveJessica on Recovery in a snapArchivesMarch 2012February 2012January 2012December 2011November 2011October 2011September 2011August 2011July 2011June 2011« Alaska enduring wild winter |Main| Whetting your app-etite for Copper River salmon »February 03, 2012Cod cuts illustrate need for March 21 fishermen's rallyConsider the New England Fishery Management Council’s decision this week to recommend cutting northeast cod harvests for the upcoming 2012 fishery by 15 to 20 percent another good reason for fishermen to attend the Wednesday, March 21 “Keep Fishermen Fishing” rally in Washington, D.C.
That would represent a cut of between 6,700 and 7,500 metric tons from the 2011 total. How many businesses could withstand a 15 to 20 percent drop in their production?
And yet, the cut isn’t as bad as it could’ve been. Given the dire (and controversial) 2011 cod stock assessments, it could’ve been as much as a 90 percent slash, which would have been disastrous for the groundfish industry. So while a 15 to 20 percent harvest cut hurts, it at least allows the fishery to continue for a year while fishermen and managers alike try to figure out a way out of the regulatory mess that managing groundfish has become.
For more than 15 years, cod has been sore spot in what has largely been a successful effort to rebuild the region’s groundfish stocks. But since the cod population hasn’t reached levels NMFS says is needed for the stock to be considered healthy and sustainable by 2014, as mandated by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the groundfish fleet’s future is in jeopardy.
The arbitrary 10-year rebuilding timeline set forth in Magnuson-Stevens is the problem. And the fishermen’s rally in the nation’s capital is a prime opportunity to broadcast the need for Congress to support legislation that aims to amend Magnuson and give the federal fisheries management law greater flexibility.
To learn more about the rally and bus transportation to Washington, D.C., visit the Keep Fishermen Fishing website or call (888) 564-6732.
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