Sustainable Fisheries Policy Needs Comment...And Yes It Is Food Related!
I just got this press release about fisheries policy, which directly effects those of us trying to eat locally in New England. Please forward this along to anyone who wants to keep eating seafood for years to come!
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It’s a ritual of summer, even in tough times: Tourists and locals alike flock to seafood shacks and shanties for a plate of fried fish, and to local markets for just-off-the-boat haddock, flounder and cod.
But in recent years, with less fish in the ocean, and more federal restrictions on fishermen, the future of that tradition has been at stake.
Some Cape Cod fishermen have found a new way to do business: managing their local catch as a community, instead of under complex federal rules that force them to waste fish and be tied to a clock.
Now, a system developed on Cape Cod called sectors is set to expand all over New England, and it could give a big economic boost to the region in the long run--up to $500 million.
What will it mean to seafood lovers? When the whole groundfish fleet moves into the new sector system of fishing cooperatives, the fish stocks will have a chance to rebuild, and we’ll have more consistent access to fresh, local fish, which in turn will support our local economy.
Here’s the catch: In order for fish stocks to rebuild, the New England Fishery Management Council (the regional governing body for fisheries) has to move forward with the plan to expand sectors, and it has to include more robust accountability and monitoring for the entire New England fleet to make the entire plan work.
Time is of the essence: A vote is set for the end of June. Meanwhile, these historic fishing communities all across Cape Cod and New England hang in the balance … along with that plate of fried cod.
Your voice counts!
Click here to submit your comments supporting Sectors, monitoring a...
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It’s a ritual of summer, even in tough times: Tourists and locals alike flock to seafood shacks and shanties for a plate of fried fish, and to local markets for just-off-the-boat haddock, flounder and cod.
But in recent years, with less fish in the ocean, and more federal restrictions on fishermen, the future of that tradition has been at stake.
Some Cape Cod fishermen have found a new way to do business: managing their local catch as a community, instead of under complex federal rules that force them to waste fish and be tied to a clock.
Now, a system developed on Cape Cod called sectors is set to expand all over New England, and it could give a big economic boost to the region in the long run--up to $500 million.
What will it mean to seafood lovers? When the whole groundfish fleet moves into the new sector system of fishing cooperatives, the fish stocks will have a chance to rebuild, and we’ll have more consistent access to fresh, local fish, which in turn will support our local economy.
Here’s the catch: In order for fish stocks to rebuild, the New England Fishery Management Council (the regional governing body for fisheries) has to move forward with the plan to expand sectors, and it has to include more robust accountability and monitoring for the entire New England fleet to make the entire plan work.
Time is of the essence: A vote is set for the end of June. Meanwhile, these historic fishing communities all across Cape Cod and New England hang in the balance … along with that plate of fried cod.
Your voice counts!
Click here to submit your comments supporting Sectors, monitoring a...
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by COMMUNITY FISH on -
Penobscot East Resource Center, partnered with regional fishermen, has formed a sector to address these very issues. Penobscot East is a non-profit organization based out of Stonington that is working to secure a future for the fishing communities of eastern Maine. Part of this work is supporting community management for fisheries. Traditionally groundfishing was a primary source of income in our area. Over the past twenty years the fishery has moved to near dormancy. Penobscot East is helping to support the return of a sustainable groundfish industry in our area.
This summer Penobscot East will be running a Community Supported Fishery that will sell fresh, local, sustainably harvested groundfish from our sector. The CSF is a great way to support local management, while supporting local fishermen.
To learn more about the sector or the CSF please contact Aaron at aaron@penobscoteast.org
Thank you and as our slogan says, we hope there will be FISH FOREVER!
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Permalink Reply by COMMUNITY FISH on
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The Northeast Coastal Communities Fishing Sector has been formed! With 19 members living in communities from the Cape Cod to Jonesport, they are working to protect local stocks through sustainable fishing practices and advocating for area management. To learn more please contact Aaron Dority at aaron@penobscoteast.org.
The sector has also formed a CSF, COMMUNITY FISH. This CSF will offer customers in eastern Maine with fresh, local and sustainably hooked fish for 8 weeks from mid-May to the end of June 2010. To learn more please email csf@penobscoteast.org or call the office 367-2708.
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This has been out for a few weeks, but worth a read....http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2010/jun/10/food-movement-rising/
MFA Annual Baked Fish Dinner at St. George Town Office
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Come join the MFA for their Annual Baked Fish Dinner!
When: August 22, 2010
Where: St. George Town Office
Time: 5:00 - 8:00
Its a place to find good treats, eats and lots of laughs!
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MFA Annual Baked Fish Dinner at St. George Town Office
August 22, 2010 from 5pm to 8pm
Come join the MFA for their Annual Baked Fish Dinner!
When: August 22, 2010
Where: St. George Town Office
Time: 5:00 - 8:00
Its a place to find good treats, eats and lots of laughs!
MFA Annual Baked Fish Dinner at St. George Town Office
August 22, 2010 from 5pm to 8pm
Come join the MFA for their Annual Baked Fish Dinner!
When: August 22, 2010
Where: St. George Town Office
Time: 5:00 - 8:00
Its a place to find good treats, eats and lots of laughs!
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