Dive Summary:
- In a recent statement from U.S. regulators, fishing areas off the coast of New England that have been closed since the 1990's may re-open again next season.
- What some fisherman called "a 19-year science experiment" the bans were meant to give fish populations a chance to spring back from early 90's lows.
- Fisherman today claim that sweeping bans aren't even utilized anymore and there is no direct evidence that the prohibition of fishing in certain areas actually helps struggling fish populations.
From the article:
Massive cuts in the 2013 catch limits are inevitable because of slow recovery of key stocks, and Gib Brogan of the environmental group Oceana said he knows regulators want help fishermen and prevent industry collapse. But he said they may just doom the fishery by exposing the last strongholds of healthy fish.
"Our concern is that mitigation is moving toward liquidation," he said.
Next Thursday, regional regulators at the New England Fishery Management Council will decide whether sectors of fishermen should be allowed to ask federal regulators for permission to fish in the closed areas.
