Commercial Fishing

Over the past twenty-five years, commercial fisheries throughout North America have changed dramatically, due primarily to significant over-capitalization within the fishing industry. This over-capitalization has, in some cases, impacted fisheries resources and reduced the overall economic viability of the fisheries. In response to this over-capitalization, fisheries management has become more complex.

Today’s fishing industry is no longer merely about a race for the fish. Instead, successful participants know how to navigate the complex laws and regulations, as well as the scientific and economic issues that impact the fishing industry. To successfully compete in today’s fishing industry entities must know how to efficiently work with the Executive Branch, Congress, regional fishery management councils, state and local governments, citizen groups, the environmental community and other stakeholders regarding fisheries planning.