Hurricane Ike has left Galveston and other Gulf communities’ fishing industries reeling. Livelihoods are at risk, vessels and docks are wrecked and the chance for meaningful disaster assistance is slim.
Our country’s financial meltdown adds insult to injury. Fishermen can’t tame Mother Nature or fix Wall Street, but they can push for new management proven to strengthen fishing businesses and give communities a better chance to cope with crises.
Fishing is a part of Texas’ heritage. For generations, the state’s teeming waters have provided fish featured in famous restaurants and targeted by sportsmen.
But things are changing. Offshore fishermen are trapped by rules that cause them to “race for fish,” hurting themselves, fish stocks and their communities.
Racing means that fishermen must work harder and catch as many fish as possible before the season ends.
Too many fish hit the market at once, causing prices and quality to fall.
Then, fishermen and consumers are frustrated by long closures and short supply.
Communities tied to fishing find it hard to weather difficult times.
But there is a better way, called “individual fishing quotas,” which work by dividing the fish and allotting them among fishermen, providing a secure and long-term stake in the fishery.
Seasons are eliminated and fishermen can harvest their share throughout the year. They work when market and weather conditions are favorable. They don’t worry about missing a season and forfeiting income. When destruction strikes, fishermen can hold shares and work later in the year. They can lease their shares if damages keep them tied up.
Individual fishing quotas in Canada and Alaska have helped fishermen earn a reasonable profit and generate and support local businesses. When businesses are prosperous, they are more likely to have insurance and the means to protect assets. Fishermen operating under IFQs play a role in good management and conservation because both increase the value of their fishery.
In 2007, commercial fishermen and federal regulators implemented a model IFQ program in the beleaguered red-snapper fishery. Right away, racing stopped, and the season stretched from a few months to year-round.
Fishermen provide high-quality fish that consumers want and earn 25 percent more for it at the dock. They work in safer conditions and have lower harvesting costs. Wasteful discarding of snapper has been cut.
Now, fishermen are organizing under a trade organization, Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders Alliance, to expand the benefits of IFQs.
Red snapper is a start, but more needs to be done. Adding commercial grouper and other reef fish to the IFQ program is a top priority.
Even sport-fishing businesses that depend on reef fish now suffer racing symptoms such as long closed seasons. Instead, if charter and party boats decide to adapt IFQs, they could aim for year-round fishing and better cater to customers.
Hurricanes and economic disasters are difficult but unavoidable. Good fisheries management can help build a stronger fishing industry and more resilient coastal communities. Texas fishermen and local leaders can fortify the state’s valuable fisheries by promoting sensible management change.
Keith “Buddy” Guindon owns Katie’s Seafood in Galveston and serves on the board of the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders Alliance. Pamela Baker is the senior policy adviser for the Environmental Defense Fund’s Gulf of Mexico oceans program in Austin.
