Members of the American Scallop Association are seeking the Marine Stewardship Council ecolabel for the Atlantic scallop fishery.
Any number of green groups will likely mobilize to oppose the label of sustainability for the scallop industry.
There was some green unrest about MSC certification of the Alaska pollock fishery, but if I were a betting man I’d wager you ain’t seen nothing yet.
The anti-trawl cohort will be out in full force. Others may raise issues around bycatch.
Although I believe opponents of trawling have yet to make a convincing case, their arguments resonate in the mainstream.
What is not arguable is that the amount of bottom dredged by scallop boats is infinitesimal in the scheme of things.
Second, we should be extremely reluctant to condemn fisheries over bycatch. On the other hand, the reduction of bycatch is as desired by fishermen as it is the most ardent conservationists, giving us a much more collaborative mission.
Bycatch reduction clears the path for the main objective of any fishery, which is sustainable economic benefit. The ex-vessel value of sea scallops landed in the Atlantic states was $370 million in 2008, the last year for which NMFS has complete numbers.
That’s a tremendous, quantifiable benefit to working people, vessel owners, and fishing communities, and it goes a long way toward explaining why New Bedford, our top scallop port, leads the nation in the value of landings.
Stand by for fireworks. To the extent that elements of the conservation movement are predisposed to condemn the scalloping, or have been spoiling for a battle over bottom trawling, their campaign in opposition to certifying the fishery will be vigorous, to say the least.
Thank you for your time.
Jerry Fraser
Editor & Publisher, National Fisherman
www.nationalfisherman.com
