October 7, 2012 — Several recent developments give us hope that the tide is turning and that instead of fighting, fishermen and scientists will begin to work together in a sane, responsible manner.
In a recent interview with Seacoast Sunday, Bullard said fishermen and scientists see the ocean very differently and "they speak different languages." "There's an urgent need to repair that relationship," he said.
He said fishermen and scientists have to stop viewing each other as stereotypes: the former as greedy and irresponsible and the latter as ill-informed and clueless. "All of those stereotypes are so handy and every one of them does a disservice and gets in the way of working together," he said. "There are tough decisions in our future. There is pain that is going to happen. We're going to have to face the tough decisions and make them."
In an interview with our sister paper, the Standard-Times in New Bedford, Mass., Bullard said: "It seemed to me that it's a real shame that the issues being faced were not being faced intelligently by any party." Not NOAA, not Congress, not fishermen, not environmentalists. Communication was by lawsuit. "I think we can do a better job," he said. "I'm not a biologist. They didn't hire me because I know the science of fish populations. But I can communicate. I know how to listen. I have the intestinal fortitude."
Bullard will create an environment of mutual respect that should lead to far more rational decision making and we encourage him in his efforts.
Read the full story in the Portsmouth Herald