Make It or Break It: Graying of the Fleet in the West Coast Groundfish Trawl Fishery

The West Coast groundfish fishery underwent a transition to catch shares in 2011.  The Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Social Study was implemented to assess the social impacts to the fishery as a result of this transition.  Graying of the fleet emerged as a prominent theme in this study.  The majority of fishermen in the West Coast groundfish trawl fishery are approaching ages where they may consider exiting the fishery.  Currently, there does not appear to be an equivalent population of younger fishermen who will replace those retiring.  Qualitative data reveal that younger fishermen may not want to enter the groundfish fishery because it is not considered lucrative or because of financial barriers.  The transition to catch shares may exasperate this trend, as new entrants need increasing amounts of startup capital.  The majority of the current fishermen have been fishing for more than 26 years and entered the fishery at a young age (6-20).  These fishermen have gained working knowledge of the fishery and the grounds over the years.  Graying of the fleet is concerning given the apparent lack of new entrants into the fishery, but more importantly, because of the high learning curve required to successfully participate in this fishery.