July 19, 2013 — We're so used to focusing on conflicts and controversies in the fishing industry – fishermen criticizing scientists, overlapping recreational and commercial fisheries competing for access to limited fish, NOAA being sued by both the state and environmental groups. But when we asked you what was important to you as New England's fishermen try to chart a path forward, the level of agreement was notable. Fifty seven of you responded to our survey. It's a small, and by no means scientific, sample. But it was a diverse group. Commercial and recreational fishermen, fishery regulators, policymakers or advocates, and those who said they didn't fall into our categories, all responded in about equal measure. Half of all respondents said they are seafood consumers.
Healthy ocean ecosystems earned top ranking from 61% of respondents. A whopping 89% put ocean health somewhere in the top three spots. Sustainably harvested seafood was the runner-up, with 47% of respondents giving it a second-place ranking. Again, the majority of respondents – 72% – counted sustainable seafood among the top three.
93% of respondents said they are somewhat to very concerned about the future of New England's fisheries.
Read the full story at NPR affiliate WCAI