Thursday, March 25, 2010

Project Proposal: Fishermen vs. Catch Limits

Maryland fishermen recently took part in a “United We Fish” rally in D.C. on February 24 to protest severe federal fishing limits that they say have been harming their livelihoods. The limits were first enacted in 1976 and amended in 1996, largely due to overfishing. Now, however, some fishermen are saying some of the fisheries have rebounded to the point that the current limits are far too strict, and are putting them out of business. Others agree, saying there needs to be more flexibility in federal rules.

I'd like to talk to a couple Marylanders who depend on fishing in the Chesapeake and Atlantic, an official from the National Marine Fisheries Service, a scientist/marine biologist, and perhaps a representative of an environmental group. The piece could touch on why the limits were put in place, the state of the Chesapeake now, how fishermen are faring, and possible options these people see for the future.

Format: audio slideshow
Run time: 3-4 minutes

No comments:

Post a Comment