Ecotrust, a nonprofit organization known for its cautious opinion about catch shares as a fishery management system, is today announcing plans to undertake its own national research study of the controversial Obama administration policy that took effect in New England on May 1.
Typically, catch share conversions create hyper-consolidation for the fishing industry, and the system is expected to squeeze at least half the practicing fishing boat businesses out of operation in New England.
The New England groundfishery, the first industry of the colonists that took root in Gloucester and has sustained coastal cultures for nearly 400 years, is now three weeks into the new regulatory format after being converted amid widespread protests and a lawsuit.
The national rally of fishing interests at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., last February was motivated in part by fear and anger at the administration's catch share policy.
Read the complete story at The Gloucester Daily Times.