Report finds fisheries management lacking
Management of New England's fisheries is "beset with problems" and needs more accountability, according to an independent review released yesterday.
The review, led by consultant and former Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Chairman Preston Pate, called the National Marine Fisheries Service's regional rulemaking "complex and slow," according to The Associated Press. Pate interviewed 179 people, including fishermen, regulators, scientists and environmentalists, and found that many were frustrated with "having to work in an environment of contention and mistrust." The report recommended the agency strengthen its leadership, focus its attention on growing the fishing industry and involving fishermen in long-term management plans.
The review follows a January report from the Inspector General's office of the U.S. Commerce Department, which found fisheries regulators to be "heavy-handed and unfair" in their enforcement actions over New England fishermen.
Eric Schwaab, head of NMFS, said the agency will make several changes, including strengthening communication with the public and fishermen and improving data collection to ensure rules are based on the most recent fish stock numbers and other science, according to The AP.
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