An Analysis of Community Responses to Catch Share Programs in New England

In 2010 an update to the MSFMA required an ecosystem based management framework inform fisheries management practices in the U.S.  As a result catch shares are being incorporated as tool to include the relationships between fish and fishers into the regulatory process.  Catch shares incorporate individuals, communities and other entities into management practices, and allocate each a specific portion of the total allowable catch.  One specific form that catch shares have taken is the sector management program in the New England Groundfish fishery.  As a response to this, in New England, sectors are being experimented with as a community based inclusion measure.  The definition of community is fluid, and can be place based or interest based.  Generally, though, communities are defined by concrete characteristics and are linked by political, geographic and economic linkages.  Sectors are a top down approach that originated with the NEFMC, and are organized by geographic location, gear fished, and vessel size.  Other community based organizations of fishers are also responding to catch share programs in New England.  These include community supported fisheries associations and community based permit banks.  This paper will explore the different approaches communities use to address catch shares in New England.