Community-Based Management
Georges Bank Cod Hook SectorCommunity Development QuotaHow to develop a SectorCommunity Based Fisheries Management (CBFM) is a progressive new approach to fisheries management where individual communities take a lead role in making decisions concerning how a fishery should be managed in order to protect the community, as well as the resource. CBFM programs attempt to preserve the unique character of traditional fishing communities both domestic and international. The way community groups are established varies across the board. There are established CBFM programs in
Alaska, Maine,
Massachusetts, Nova Scotia and
Mexico.
Related LinksReport of the Sand County Foundation’s Workshop: “Emerging Strategies for Improving Fisheries Management” http://sandcounty.net/Kevin_McAleese/Fisheries_Report_web.pdfA Report to the Ford Foundation: “Obstacles and Opportunities for Community-Based Fisheries Management in the United States” Solway Firth Partnership in the United Kingdom AlaskaIn Alaska, there are two primary CBFM programs: Community Development Quota program (CDQ) and the Community Quota Entity program (CQE). Both the CDQ and CQE programs are organized through a non-profit organization. The CDQ program was established in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands to provide economic development for the surrounding coastal communities. The communities receive a percentage of the total allowable catch (TAC) for all federally managed species in the area, including pollock and cod, and they can fish the allocations in many different ways. Due to the fact that the fisheries are located in the Bering Sea, larger industrial-type vessels are required; therefore, many communities choose to lease the quota to large vessels. The capitol earned goes back into the community creating a revenue stream for further economic development.The halibut and sablefish fishery in Alaska is managed using individual fishing quotas (IFQs) that are purchased by individual fishermen. The CQE program was established in order to protect small fishing communities from the consolidation resulting from IFQ programs. The CQE program is different from the CDQ program because the community is not given a percentage of the TAC once the program is established. Instead, the community must purchase IFQ from the federal government at current market value and lease it to individual community residents. Currently there are four CQE’s established in Alaska, but none have yet purchased quota. MaineSince 1954, the Maine Lobsterman’s Association (MLA) has facilitated a lasting relationship between local fisherman, the surrounding community and the ocean leading to the successful management of the lobster fishery. In 1995, the Maine Legislature enacted a co-management law in the lobster fishery, dividing it into seven distinct lobster zones which are managed by lobster zone councils. In the new co-management plan, the fishermen collaborate with the government by participating on the lobster zone councils and aiding in the creation of new management practices. The MLA played a crucial role in establishing the lobster zone councils which are managed under the supervision of the Maine Department of Marine Resources. The commitment, unity and support from the members of MLA have driven the success of the lobster fishery and distributed power more equitably throughout the industry.MassachusettsThe Georges Bank Cod Hook Sector is an example of a CBFM program right in our backyard. The Hook Sector allows hook and line fishermen to be engaged in creating rules and regulations. The Sector is allowed up to 20% of the TAC for Georges Bank cod, and the members determine how to harvest the cod. This prevents derby fishing where all the fishermen rush out at once and catch the fish in a short period of time, rapidly catching the TAC and potentially glutting the market. The Sector also provides opportunities for fishermen to work with scientists and observers to conduct research and monitor their bycatch, proving that they are capable of handling the responsibilities of management. While the Sector is a relatively new concept, it has done a great job in unifying fishermen in the area, connecting the community with the fishermen, promoting sustainable fishing practices and forming a bond of trust between fishermen and the scientific community.Nova ScotiaThe Bay of Fundy Marine Resource Centre (MRC) was established in 1997 in response to the massive decline in groundfish stocks off the coast of Nova Scotia. Fishermen, communities and scientist work in cooperation to protect the declining fish populations while providing opportunities for the fishermen to maintain their livelihood. The “Local Stocks and Local Knowledge” project allowed fishermen to work alongside scientists to discover fish spawning areas which fostered a relationship based on trust between the two groups. Traditionally fishermen and scientists have not seen eye to eye on many issues, but given the chance to work together, alliances are formed, which facilitates greater communication and promots better science.MexicoOne of the most successful CBFM projects outside of the United States has been established in Baja California, Mexico since 1940. FEDECOOP, the regional federation of fishing cooperatives, is comprised of nine fishing cooperatives that manage fish stocks in Baja California including lobster, abalone, conch, sea cucumber, sea urchin, algae and other marine organisms. The community members take on the responsibility of preventing illegal behavior and conducting research on the fish stocks to protect breeding and spawning grounds and to monitor the success of management measures. The spiny lobster fishery in Mexico has recently been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) eco-label for sustainable fisheries, the first fishery in Latin America to receive the award. Comunidad y Biodiversidad (COBI) is a non-government organization (NGO) that worked with FEDECOOP to receive MSC certification.Last updated: May 7, 2007 |
Today's CatchGet your copy today! The perfect beach read: three centuries of fishing in Chatham Help Hook the Cure Striped Bass Derby! August 23, 2008, Benefits Parkinson disease research. HAVE YOU CAUGHT A TAGGED HADDOCK OR COD? Report the tagged fish and receive a prize!
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Fish length Spawning condition Date and time Location Water depth and temperature Gear used Fate of fish (released or landed)
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