Thousands of fishermen rally at the nation’s capitol demanding changes in fishery law. They say tight catch limits could sink their businesses even as fish stocks are rebounding. But scientists warn against a return to policy that brought about the collapse of many fish populations. Host Jeff Young explores ways to chart the right course for our fragile fisheries.
Rhode Island fisher, Tina Jackson says "Fishermen have been told time and time again that they will be rewarded, they will be given days at sea, they will have more fish to fish on. We are supposed to be fishing on 170 thousand metric tons of fish along the East coast every year. Last year they gave us 43 thousand."
Gloucester fisherman David Marciano says he knows some fish stocks are still struggling but others are more numerous than he's ever seen. Why should one weak stock prevent his fishing the other? Steve Murawski has heard a lot of these complaints. He directs scientific programs for fisheries at NOAA the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which sets fishing regulations. Murawski's sympathetic to the fishermen's frustrations. But says those changes in targets for rebuilding fish stocks were necessary as science improved.
"That certainly creates tension where you've got productive stocks that could endure more fishing caught side-by-side with stocks that are in more trouble," said Murawski. "So the larger question becomes, how do we rebuild those stocks that are doing poorly but also create economic opportunities to catch the ones that are doing well?"