14 DAY TRIAL // The problem of unsustainable fishing was prompted on the West Coast of the United States decades ago, as fishermen and authorities alike noticed severe decreases in fish populations throughout the region, and started working on legislations to prevent this. But, thus far, bills aimed at tackling this issue have not been passed, due to diverging interests on the food market. Currently, the Pacific Fishery Management Council is trying to decide on the matter, in a meeting to be held on Friday.
The Council wants to promote change by introducing a system of individual fish quotas among fishermen. This would mean that they will no longer have to race each other to get fish, but, rather, work together and split the "loot" between them. The issue still unsolved is that of food processors, which don't agree with the system, as they say it will make them entirely dependent on private captures. The companies say that they're also entitled to a part of the catch, so as to remain independent.
By introducing this measure, authorities allow fishermen to fish for their quotas anytime they choose. The only restriction is the amount of fish they can catch, which will be regulated if this measure passes. By 2011, officials estimate that the bill will enter into full effect, and that the benefits will be seen in about a decade or so. It takes time for fish populations to recover, while still providing sufficient sustenance, so as not to endanger the food supply of West Coast residents.
"Certainly within the scientific community it has been generally accepted for 10 to 15 years that we need to move that way. I think it's going to happen and pretty rapidly over the next 10 years," said University of Washington professor of fisheries Ray Hilborn, referring to similar individual quota systems, already implemented by states such as New Zealand, Australia, Alaska, and British Columbia.
Environmentalists saluted the new legislative initiative that also advocates the presence of observers on all fishing boats, so that fishermen cannot exceed their quotas. Conservative groups argue that extensive over-fishing drove some fish species to the brink of extinction, as regulations on the allowed amounts to be harvested were scarce.