November 20, 2013 — Under the requirements of Federal fisheries law, U.S. fisheries are among the best managed in the world. And, while the future does present some challenges and may require a shift in focus for some, it also provides opportunities.
The recent release of Fisheries of the United States 2012, a NOAA annual report, contains a lot of good information on revenues and landings for the nation’s fisheries.
The majority of fish stocks in the Northeast are not overfished. As a result, we have some of the most valuable fisheries in the country.
In the Northeast, some stocks, like cod and yellowtail flounder, which faced heavy fishing in the past, now find their ability to reproduce and grow affected by environmental factors. But, other stocks are thriving.
And because these stocks are healthy, they are leading to more fishing-related jobs and healthy working waterfront communities.
However, to create a profitable fishery, a healthy fish stock is just one part of the equation. The other part is developing markets for fishery products so that fishermen get a higher price for the fish they catch.
Read the full opinion piece at the Gloucester Daily Times