Maine's historic cod fishery had worst year in history in 2017

[jpak]

https://www.pressherald.com/2018/07/27/maines-historic-cod-fishery-had-worst-year-in-history-in-2017/

One of the most historic fisheries in the country hit an all-time low last year as cod fishermen continued to struggle with choking quotas and low abundance of the fish.

Maine’s cod fishery has existed since at least the early 17th century, and it was once one of the strongest in the country. The fishery peaked at more than 21 million pounds of cod, a fish often used with the fish and chips dish, in 1991.

But fishermen only brought 79,816 pounds of cod to land in Maine in 2017, mirroring a downward trend around New England, where cod fishermen have also struggled in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, state data said. Maine’s total was less than half the 2016 haul and by far the lowest on record according to state data that go back to 1950.

One reason for the collapse is that federal quotas for cod are so low many fishermen are just avoiding them altogether, said Terry Alexander, a veteran fisherman out of Portland and Boston. Cod fishermen typically also seek other species, such as haddock and flounder, and they must stop fishing altogether once they reach quota for cod, per the rules.

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[Ccarmona]

1. Climate Change Is Also Affecting Alaskan Salmon

The average weight for sockeye started out below five pounds each, versus the historical average of around six pounds per fish, according to Jeremy Botz, area management biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. “Theories on the smaller average size of sockeye center around warmer ocean temps and range from increasing metabolic rates to changing dynamic of interspecific competition to reducing quality of forage…All in all, it is probably a complex mix of all these factors and more, causing the decline in average sockeye salmon size.”

[c-rational]

2. Good post. This was a long time coming. This is what a lack of regulating does and people

are left to their own devices. Poor fisheries management as well as near coastal waters rules. I am happy they put in such place quotas. I believe one year a ban was considered. We need leaders who will manage our resources.

[BigmanPigman]

3. I have found that the people who bitch about

regulations the most benefit from them the most. Of course most of them don't see it that way. It is like the farmers who bitch about people taking social services such as food stamps yet they get farm subsidies. They are hypocrites plain and simple. They usually do not see this until it effects them personally and someone with a brain explains it to them. Even then they are too stubborn to admit they are wrong.

[Duppers]

4. AMEN!! Bravo.