What are fishing sectors all about?
It’s about the government trying to give another management option to New England’s groundfish fishermen. This new management plan, taking effect in May, will allow commercial fishermen in defined "sectors" to decide on their own how to manage their catch which will be capped by a limit.
The sector concept is a grouping, not a geographical location. It could lay out a new course for fishermen to work together for their mutual benefit, accepting catch limits but designing their own management plan and choosing when and where to fish.
So far, there are 18 New England sectors, including the Port Clyde Community Groundfish Sector made up of members from the Midcoast Fishermen’s Association. Officials say joining a sector isn’t mandatory but those who continue to fish in the Days at Sea management system would be subject to more stringent rules such as 50 percent cut in Days at Sea (24 days for most fishermen) a 24 hour clock and trip limits on Gulf of Maine cod and Pollock.