Financial issues with catch share implementation: Strategies industry used in Alaska to make money and improve their bottom line.
November 10th, 4-7PM- Waterfront Grille, 36 Homers Wharf, New Bedford, MA
November 11th 4-7PM- Gloucester House, 63 Rogers Street, Gloucester, MA
Please note, there is also a similar meeting in Maine on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Maine DMR- Natural Resources Service Center, Room 106, 6 Beech Street, Hallowell, ME. For information on the Maine meeting please contact EDF or the office of George Lapointe.
Speakers for panel discussion with questions:
Joe Childers –President United Fishermen of Alaska; – salmon troller, involved in implementing IFQ systems for members in halibut, sablefish, crab, and Gulf of Alaska groundfish
Steve Minor: Exec. Director North Pacific Crab Association – helped design and implement communityprotection provisions that retain 90% of historical landings inAlaska’s crab dependent communities.
Focus of meeting: With catch shares coming to New England, a key issue is how to make them work so the fleets remain financially viable. The speakers will address the specific problems and solutions that were proposed in the various Alaska IFQ programs that have helped maintain the profitability and viability of the fleets.
Most catch share programs stand or fall based on the way in which the specific problems unique to each fishery are addressed. The discussion will focus on the specific factors that make a program financially viable for the participants – whether in New England or Alaska.
An open question and answer period will be provided to provide the opportunity for New England fisheries community members to raise and discuss the many difficult questions and issues surrounding the planned management transition with the panelists.
This program is being organized and promoted by Seafood.com News and SavingSeafood.org with financial support from the Environmental Defense Fund.
Moderator: John Sackton
Publisher Seafood.com News