This post was originally published to The Fisherman website. More archived The Fisherman blog posts can be found on our Archive Page.
Problem:
Active fishermen are not represented. Investors are represented – who may have different goals than active fishermen.
Solutions:
- Seafood Alliance purports to represent 95% of license holders. It represents the interests of investors not active fishermen. Active fish harvesters need a similar organization.
- The Area Harvest Committees and the CSAB represent license holders – as all license holders have a vote. Active fishermen could be out-voted. Active fishers need one or more salmon organizations to represent their interests.
- Herring – processors dominate the advisory process. Fishermen need to take control
- Halibut – large quota holders dominate representation process. Would owner-operator make a difference?
- Prawns – all active prawn fishermen belong to prawn organization. One organization represents all prawners so can speak with one voice after internal discussions.
- Crabs – active license owners only belong to Area A
- Unity between fishermen or fishermen’s associations is necessary
- Can’t agree on everything but can on many things
- Work together on identified issues
- Fishermen structure their organizations – collect dues/funds for operations.