Quote:
Originally posted by Mike Gilchrist:
Have to disagree with you skywalker, its the industry that pushes the legislation which allows the industry to continue to overfish.

Of course you're right. My point is that you have the fox guarding the henhouse.

An example: Congressman Don Young from Alaska is a good congressman, he represents his constituents. Mr Young is in his 15th term and is the 5th highest ranking Republican of a republican controled house. Mr young is vice chair and former chairman of the house resources committee. Mr Young is an advid hunter and gets the highest rating from the NRA. Mr Youngs constituents are commercial fisherman and people who make their living supporting commercial fishing so Mr young kills legislation that is not in the best interests of his constituents, the commercial fishing industry.

His constituents are also the voters, and my impression of Alaskan voters records is that they very much support the commercialization of all of their natural resources. They're getting what they paid for.

(snip)

This kind of political manuvering has been happening forever. The commercial fishing industry has allways had thier hands in the process, geting themselves a better deal. Working to get themselves a better deal, they have opened up the ocean to overfishing.
They are a spoiled kid....they will get their way until someone responsible puts their foot down.

I also don't think we have quite the same picture here in WA, relative to the perceived strength of the resource. In comparing revenues from specific commercial fisheries I think it would be obvious to anyone that Puget Sound seiners aren't making much of a living compared to S.E. Alaskan seiner. This is speculation, and I haven't looked lately to compare numbers, but I'd be very surprised if it weren't the case.

My original point anyway is that I don't to see commercial fishermen made out to be evil and operating out of malice and disdain for everyone else. That may apply to the suits at the top, but the guys at the bottom are just doing what they love, or all they know...just like loggers, miners, etc.