Checking in on New England fisheries 25 Years after ‘The Perfect Storm’ movie – The Conversation

Report on the Evolution of New England’s Commercial Fishing Industry and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Implications

Introduction

Twenty-five years after the release of the film The Perfect Storm, which dramatized the perilous nature of commercial swordfishing in New England, it is pertinent to analyze the real-life transformations in the region’s fishing industry. This report emphasizes the alignment of these changes with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to life below water, decent work and economic growth, and sustainable communities.

Historical Context: Open Access Fisheries

Originally, New England’s commercial fisheries operated under an open access system, allowing virtually anyone with the necessary resources to participate. This system was governed by regional councils established under a 1976 federal law, which set catch limits but did not restrict entry.

• Open Access Characteristics:
  • No restrictions on who could fish beyond permit requirements.
  • Fishing seasons opened until catch limits were reached.
  • “Race to fish” phenomena leading to overexploitation.
• Environmental Impact: Overfishing led to the collapse of key stocks such as North Atlantic cod (1992) and Pacific sardine (2015).
• SDG Relevance: This period highlighted challenges to SDG 14: Life Below Water, emphasizing the need for sustainable management of marine resources.

Transition to Limited Access and Sustainable Management

In response to ecological and economic pressures, the early 2000s marked a shift towards limiting access to fisheries through permits and catch shares.

1. Implementation of Limited Entry Permits: Eligibility based on prior participation or success.
2. Catch Shares: Individual quotas assigned to permit holders to control harvest levels.
3. Legislative Support: The 2007 amendment to the Magnuson-Stevens Act promoted limited access programs.

These measures have contributed to the rebuilding of 50 major fish stocks since 2000, demonstrating progress towards SDG 14 by preventing overfishing and promoting marine ecosystem restoration.

Economic and Social Impacts on Fishing Communities

While ecological sustainability has improved, the economic consequences for fishermen and coastal communities have been significant.

• Job Losses: Nearly 800 crew positions were lost in the Northeast groundfish fishery between 2007 and 2015.
• Community Effects: Reduced income and strained local businesses impact community resilience and identity.
• Permit Scarcity and Cost: Limited-access permits can exceed US$500,000, restricting entry for small businesses and youth.
• Industry Consolidation: Shift towards corporate ownership reduces autonomy and threatens small-scale fisheries.

These challenges relate to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, underscoring the need for equitable economic opportunities and resilient coastal communities.

Emerging Challenges and Ongoing Risks

Despite recovery signs, new environmental and occupational challenges persist.

1. Climate Change Effects: Warming waters have shifted species distributions, such as lobsters moving northward, increasing operational costs.
2. Occupational Hazards: Between 2000 and 2019, 414 fishermen died in 245 vessel disasters, highlighting ongoing safety risks.
3. Management Adaptation: Continuous evolution of fisheries management is necessary to sustain productivity and safety.

Addressing these issues aligns with SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, emphasizing climate resilience and occupational safety.

Conclusion

The transformation of New England’s commercial fishing industry over the past quarter-century illustrates a complex interplay between environmental sustainability and socio-economic realities. Progress towards SDG 14 has been achieved through stock rebuilding and improved management, yet challenges remain in ensuring equitable economic opportunities (SDG 8), community resilience (SDG 11), climate adaptation (SDG 13), and occupational safety (SDG 3).

Ongoing efforts must balance ecological conservation with the livelihoods and well-being of fishing communities to fulfill the broader objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article discusses commercial fishing, which is a critical source of food and nutrition.
   • Ensuring sustainable fisheries contributes to food security and sustainable food production systems.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article highlights the economic impact on fishing communities, including job losses and changes in industry structure.
   • It addresses the need for sustainable economic growth and decent work conditions in the fishing sector.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Management of fish stocks and limiting overfishing aligns with sustainable consumption and production patterns.
4. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article focuses extensively on sustainable management of marine resources and rebuilding fish stocks.
   • It addresses overfishing, ecosystem health, and conservation of marine biodiversity.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Warming water temperatures and shifting species distributions are linked to climate change impacts discussed in the article.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, and formalization of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all, including young people and persons with disabilities.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
4. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.4: By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and destructive fishing practices.
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Fish Stock Rebuilding
   • Indicator 14.4.1: Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels. The article mentions 50 major fishing stocks have been rebuilt since 2000, directly relating to this indicator.
2. Employment in Fishing Industry
   • Implied indicator related to Target 8.5: Number of jobs in the fishing sector. The article cites the loss of nearly 800 crew positions in the Northeast groundfish fishery between 2007 and 2015.
3. Access and Economic Barriers
   • Indicators on economic accessibility and ownership structure changes, such as the number of active vessels (declined from 719 to 194) and permit costs (up to US$500,000), imply measurement of economic inclusiveness and equity.
4. Climate Impact on Fisheries
   • Indicators related to species distribution shifts and warming water temperatures, such as changes in lobster migration patterns, imply monitoring of climate change effects on marine ecosystems.
5. Occupational Safety
   • Indicator related to occupational hazards: Number of fishing-related fatalities (414 fishermen died in 245 disasters between 2000 and 2019) measures progress on safer working conditions.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: theconversation.com