The catch-share system has been in place for 17 months. NOAA promised that the catch-share system would 1) … end the race to fish; 2) rebuild fisheries and sustain fishermen, communities, and vibrant working waterfronts; 3) increase conservation of species; 4) reduce the management costs; and 5) produce more and better data.
None of these promises have been fulfilled. In fact, the system has resulted in losses of landings, revenue, and jobs; a controversial reallocation of wealth; and failure to eliminate chronic costly overfishing or underfishing.
The problems associated with the catch-share system have been reviewed many times. This hearing provides an opportunity to review the problems and fashion a better way forward. In my testimony this morning, I would like to consider what it takes to move ahead. First, I look at past performance and show that disregard of the intent of Congress, then one would expect poor performance metrics. If we were from Mars and visited Earth and observed the fishery management system in New England, we would have to conclude that Congress intended to …. To read the remainder of Dr. Rothschild’s testimony, please click below.
Catch Shares: the past, the present, and the future
This testimony was originally given by Dr. Rothschild on October 3, 2011 to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
