Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Rationalization Social Study

he Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Fishery was rationalized in January 2011. Catch share programs are known to have extensive beneficial outcomes for fish stocks. Literature shows mixed outcomes for the fishery participants, who may suffer negative social impacts. The purpose of this study is to identify and communicate those social impacts. Baseline data along with supplemental data collection allows for time-series data collection to measure social changes over time. Continued time series data collection strengthens our understanding of fishing communities and their ability to adapt to management changes along with other drivers such as climate change. This data collection provides fisheries managers social science data which is typically unavailable as such a fine scale. It also meets regulatory requirements outlined in the Magnuson Stevens Act, NEPA, Environmental Justice, and other requirements. The information collected informs management efforts outside the catch shares program as well as is publicly availably to participants and constituents for their use. This study increases our understanding of fishing communities on the West Coast.

The latest form for Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Rationalization Social Study expires 2023-01-31 and can be found here.