Mr. Venker makes an aweful lot of sense here. Doesn't he?
==============================================
Remember Cod?
TIDE - May/June 2008
By Ted Venker
[snip]
The tragic story of how cod traveled a path from almost limitless abundance to complete decimation is well-documented in the book, ?Cod? by Mark Kurlansky. In fact, ?Cod? should be required reading for anyone interested in the management of fish today, as there is no clearer demonstration that focusing on anything other than the health of the resource is the first step to ensuring its demise.
There will, of course, be distinct differences between cod and any other fish species that would make direct comparisons impossible. However, present-day fishery managers would likely recognize some of the arguments and circumstances that were cited to allow an already ailing cod stock to descend completely into obscurity in the latter half of the 20th century.
Among the fatal mistakes was slow recognition of the impact of technology, an avowed distrust of the science showing stock declines, over-emphasis on tradition and the ?sanctity? of coastal fishing communities, and a bureaucratic tendency to cave in to political pressure to avoid infuriating a vocal sector of special interests with a financial stake in the fishery.
[snip]
Will we allow history to repeat itself? Past results instill no confidence that we will have the wisdom to prevent it, but awareness is the first step. Spend a few hours reading ?Cod? and see if anything sounds familiar the next time you encounter a debate in a newspaper article or on the Internet over the need for modern fisheries management to be more ?flexible.?
The fish that changed human history may very well hold the key to changing the future of how we manage our marine resources. We can?t afford to ignore its history.
More:
http://www.tidewise.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=73:remember-cod&catid=35:General
==============================================
Small wonder why recreational and commercial fishermen on the NEFMC who help manage cod, have spoken out against "Flexibility" legislation.
Which reminds me, anyone hear word on a Senate version of Congressmen Pallone's HR 5425.
Anyone?
Best,
Mike F.
==============================================
Remember Cod?
TIDE - May/June 2008
By Ted Venker
[snip]
The tragic story of how cod traveled a path from almost limitless abundance to complete decimation is well-documented in the book, ?Cod? by Mark Kurlansky. In fact, ?Cod? should be required reading for anyone interested in the management of fish today, as there is no clearer demonstration that focusing on anything other than the health of the resource is the first step to ensuring its demise.
There will, of course, be distinct differences between cod and any other fish species that would make direct comparisons impossible. However, present-day fishery managers would likely recognize some of the arguments and circumstances that were cited to allow an already ailing cod stock to descend completely into obscurity in the latter half of the 20th century.
Among the fatal mistakes was slow recognition of the impact of technology, an avowed distrust of the science showing stock declines, over-emphasis on tradition and the ?sanctity? of coastal fishing communities, and a bureaucratic tendency to cave in to political pressure to avoid infuriating a vocal sector of special interests with a financial stake in the fishery.
[snip]
Will we allow history to repeat itself? Past results instill no confidence that we will have the wisdom to prevent it, but awareness is the first step. Spend a few hours reading ?Cod? and see if anything sounds familiar the next time you encounter a debate in a newspaper article or on the Internet over the need for modern fisheries management to be more ?flexible.?
The fish that changed human history may very well hold the key to changing the future of how we manage our marine resources. We can?t afford to ignore its history.
More:
http://www.tidewise.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=73:remember-cod&catid=35:General
==============================================
Small wonder why recreational and commercial fishermen on the NEFMC who help manage cod, have spoken out against "Flexibility" legislation.
Which reminds me, anyone hear word on a Senate version of Congressmen Pallone's HR 5425.
Anyone?
Best,
Mike F.
