November 7, 2012 — When West Coast groundfish fishermen switched to a 100 percent monitored fishery management system last year, they immediately shouldered new costs of carrying federal observers who document their catch and gather important scientific data.
lthough observer costs are currently shared with the federal government, that arrangement is slated to end in January 2015, when the projected observer day-rate of USD 400-600 will be borne entirely by fishermen.
This leaves many fishermen in a tight spot. While federal observers ensure the high quality data essential to a sustainable fishery, added costs could mean the difference between a successful fishing business and one that no longer exists.
What can West Coast processors, distributors, retailers and consumers do to support fishermen as they adapt to their new, sustainable fishing practices? They can ask about the “No Overfishing – Guaranteed” label.
Giovanni Comin of Central Coast Seafood, Huff McGonigal, a consultant with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), and David Crabbe, a member of the Pacific Fishery Management Council, spearheaded the new label.