05/07/2010 – Starting May 1, most of New England’s ground-fishing fleet sailed under a promising new, science-based management plan called sector allocation. It could rebuild fish populations, help fishermen run their businesses more efficiently and profitably, and bolster fishing communities. But the new system depends on collecting and using the right data, in a timely way.
Previously, the region’s ground-fishing fleet — which catches cod, haddock, pollock and similar species — operated under “days at sea” rules that failed to stop overfishing. But last year, the New England Fishery Management Council, which includes commercial and recreational fishermen, industry representatives and government officials, voted to implement the sector plan.
Under the new program, fishermen voluntarily join cooperatives called sectors. Each sector receives its own share of the annual catch for each groundfish species and agrees to stop fishing once the catch limits have been reached. Respecting these rules initiates an end to overfishing, so fish populations can rebuild.
Read the complete story at Pew Charitable Trusts.