As U.S. fishermen have become leaders in sustainably fishing for swordfish, many foreign fishermen have not adopted the same fishing gear and techniques…some foreign fleets also receive subsidies from their government and have lower labor costs than U.S. fleets. They spend less catching more swordfish without protecting the marine ecosystem and then are able to undersell the swordfish caught by our fishermen in the marketplace.
Unlike some fish stocks making headlines these days, the Atlantic swordfish is a great success story in rebuilding. Yet the U.S. fleet that fishes for swordfish faces the unique problem of not being able, due to a variety of reasons, to catch its U.S. quota. It is catching only half the base quota.
We’re looking for a way to help the swordfishing fleet while continuing to sustain a healthy fish stock and marine ecosystem. The best solutions come from lots of different sources — fishermen, managers, scientists and the general public — who want healthy marine ecosystems, fresh locally caught seafood and prosperous fishing communities.
Read the complete story at The Gloucester Daily Times.
Read the notice of meetings and proposed rule-making referenced in Dr. Balsiger’s column.
Read the advance notice of rule-making in the Federal Register.
View the PowerPoint presentation on the Advanced Notice of Rule-making.