Session Title: Sustainability in Crisis - Science, Industry and Government Protect Right Whales and Fishing Livelihoods
Session Description: In recent years, ropes used with fixed fishing gear entangled an unprecedented number of endangered North Atlantic right whales. In response, the MSC suspended its eco-certification for a snow crab fishery in one of the impacted areas, and Canadian and U.S. fishery managers instituted various management measures in lobster, snow crab, and other pot fisheries. These measures include closing fishing areas when whales are present and have the potential to reduce total catches, decrease the sustainability-focused customer base, and leave fishermen out of work. In the United States, low lobster prices have made fishing less profitable as well. The paths to solve this crisis depend on the collaboration and involvement of all stakeholders.
Moderator: Richard Stavis, Chief Sustainability Officer, Stavis Seafood
Panelists:
- Tim Werner, Sr. Scientist and Chair, Bycatch Reduction Program, Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium
- Mike Lane, lobster fisherman, MA South Shore Lobster Fishermen’s Association
- Martin Noel, snow crab fisherman, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada, Association de Crabiers Acadiens
- U.S. Massachusetts congressional representative
Session will take place as part of the conference program for the 2019 Seafood Expo North America taking place on March 17-19, 2019 in Boston, MA – USA. Scheduled time is Monday, March 18, 2019, from 3:45-5pm.