Summary
The USA's Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke has approved the plan "that would prohibit an expansion of commercial fishing in the Arctic. Imagine any government taking this action prior to the fisheries being on the threshold of collapse. The plan is to put in place a sustainable program with controls to insure the health of the fisheries. The bell has sounded on our world's fisheries, and Commerce Secretary Locke has heard it.
Analysis
Until all the research is collected and analyzed, the Commerce Department is prohibiting commercial fishing for finfish and shellfish in the Arctic waters controlled by the USA. As stated in the referenced article, this is a step that will help gain the cooperation of Canada as well as Russia in setting sustainability standards to assure the fisheries will be there for years to come. With measures like these in place prior to the commercial fisherman gaining access, if well monitored, will assure the consumers the additional seafood products that are generated form this new fishing ground for years to come. What a refreshing possibility.
As one looks back at some of the history of the collapse of fisheries, worldwide, one does not have to look further that the cod of the Grand Banks, the oysters of New York City, or the tuna of the south pacific to name only a few.
One could drone on about the deeds or misdeeds of an industry charged with feeding the world, but that subject both pro and con has been well documented and is commented on continuously. I feel that the step that the US Department of Commerce has taken has shown that more groups are finally noticing a need not only to set standards for our world fisheries but also the need to monitor and police these laws rigorously.
If we are indeed to turn the tide, and some new reports have indicated that we have, of our failing fisheries populations steps like this are not only refreshing but of the utmost importance, not only to our world's fisheries but indeed to our world's population.
James Aliucci consults with leading institutions through GLG
Analyses are solely the work of the authors and have not been edited or endorsed by GLG.
