A cautionary tale on catch share fishing
Proponents often exaggerate the importance of ITQs in sustainable fisheries. Setting a scientifically defensible TAC (Total Allowable Catch) and establishing an inclusive and transparent co-management process are by far the most important aspects of fisheries conservation. No fishery, ITQ or otherwise, will be sustainable in the long run without these two key measures.
We reported favorably on Catch Share Fishing schemes before, but a new report is more cautionary.
Via the People and Place blog:
Ecotrust Canada writes:
“A new socio-economic study released by Ecotrust Canada today highlights a long list of troubling trends that has resulted from the implementation of individual transferable quota (ITQ) markets in B.C. fisheries since the early 1990s. The report is coming out at the same time as Ottawa plans to expand ITQ markets in Canada and U.S. President Barrack Obama is considering the widespread adoption of ITQs, also known as “catch shares,” in American fisheries.
The study, titled “A Cautionary Tale about ITQ Fisheries,” found that B.C.’s highly unregulated market for trading fishing quota is encouraging speculative buying and leasing of quota by “armchair” fishermen and investors. This is driving up business costs for working fishermen, which is hindering their competitiveness relative to American fishermen. Income is also being drained away from skippers and crewmen to pay for expensive lease fees. More troubling are safety statistics and anecdotal reports that suggest the economics of ITQs may be affecting the safety of working fishermen.”