Salty
2009-10-08 17:37:53
Dale,
I see some interesting news articles about NOAA and NMF moving aggressively to institute catch share programs, perhaps even in the recreational fisheries. What do you see as the likelihood of any catch share program in the SE troll fisheries?
I personally have always opposed catch share programs and do not own any IFQ's for halibut or blackcod. But, I have always felt that an ideal target for such a program would be the SE Chinook where we have a quota set every year and have meticulous fish ticket records of every Chinook we have caught for many years. Some of my more intelligent troll friends claim catch shares are coming to the troll fishery, the only question is when. They also feel the most likely form for such a program would be an equal division of the quota. I would be greatly opposed to either at this time but wonder if we should start preparing for another battle.
On the other hand a catch share program based on my past years harvest of Chinook and Chum where I got IFQ rights to those numbers looks pretty attractive. Especially since those young partners of mine seem to be getting an ever larger share.
On the other hand I am a Democrat and we favor rewarding labor and ingenuity, over capital. Any IFQ program like the Blackcod and Halibut program heavily favors capital. Plus, I still like competing even if I don't win anymore.
What do you think?
The Chaser
2009-10-09 02:26:23
I feel that trolling is more than an industry, it is a way of life and ideals. Even though the gains some face seem to be very tempting, especially in these economic times, the long term harm would out way the short term benefits. I would hate to see the trolling industry turn from multi boat small business to large scale fish production solly based on numbers.
The trolling fleet would be reduced to a small number of larger, high output vessels owned by a few wealthy business men.
We need to fight to keep our ways and to keep the ability to pass on our knowledge to generations to come. Don't let such a valuable thing be lost to greed and capitalism.
Hi Eric and all...
First, I don't visit this page every day, nor do I always have time to check all new posts, so if I don't respond to a question posed to me, please send me a personal message.
As for troll catch shares... as you know Eric, there has been an occassional discussion raised by individual fishermen about whether or not we should consider IFQs for chinook. That is usually a pretty short discussion at ATA, since the board has never embraced the concept. I doubt we've heard the end of the topic, particular with NOAA's new found zest for catch shares, but can say that there is not now, nor has there ever been a big call for ATA to take this up for salmon, because of the reasons already raised and more.
For me to bore you with my personal point of view or speculate on the broader view of the fleet or agencies on this sensitive issue just doesn't seem proper. But if folks have thoughts about catch shares, I hope you'll share them. I am always interested in hearing the reaction to various management initiatives. And it would obviously help inform any future discussion, since I do pass on to the board what I am hearing from the fleet on the array of topics as they come up.
Rock on...
Dale, ATA
The obvious danger is that this forum is public and individual commentary is often assumed to represent a broader group, sometimes by folks outside the fleet who think they know best for your fishery. So, please bear that in mind on this, and other, issues you vette on this site.
Salty
2009-10-09 23:17:01
Thank you very much Dale. I hear you about others getting the impression that for some reason some people think that posts here might represent more than one individual fisherman's perspective. Unless the posts are stated otherwise anyone reading these thoughts should understand they reflect only the wisdom of the contributors.