Joel Hovanesian, owner and captain of the Excalibur, says that the fishing industry is getting forced into sectors, though most fishermen are opposed.
Commercial fishing has a history of independence, cracked hands on the twine and the endless horizon. But by Sept. 1, roughly 650 groundfish permit-holders, mostly in New England, face a big decision: remain independent or join their fellow fishermen in a new cooperative arrangement known as a sector.
Despite the romantic notion of the independent fisherman, going it alone under the new system may make it even more difficult than it already is for most to earn a living. Yet the prospect of joining has many local fishermen worried they may be no better off, eventually squeezed out by deep-pocketed fishing concerns that could control the sectors.