F R O M   T H E   C R O W E ’ S   N E S T

That Kind of Access



The lobster season is predicted to be a good one. Chinese consumption of lobster is said to be soaring and the price will likely follow. So what’s to worry? Or at least consider?

The Australian rock lobster industry went through the Chinese market demand. The price went “nuts.” Today 100% of Western Australian lobster goes to China. The resource privatized via Individual Tradable Quota, raising the monetary value of access and fishermen were converted into what the investor class likes to think of as sharecroppers.

But we have a different system in the northeast U.S., which for lobster effectively means Maine. We do now. At one time we had a different system for groundfish than we do now. Through the forces, not of nature, but of politics, economics and access to authority, we now have a system where ownership of the New England groundfish resource could be concentrated in the hands of as few as one corporation.

This transition to privatization of a public resource came under the authority of the New England Fisheries Management Council. The council will tell you that it is an open, accountable, democratic body which listens to a wide range of public opinions. Listening and reacting are very different.

Anyone who has spent time carefully observing the council process and poking around in the meeting lobby knows this may be what the council authorities want their moms to think. But if you’ve got your livelihood on the line in this high-value industry, your going to need guards on your shins, a kevlar vest on your back, a lawyer at your side and a wire under your shirt.

The feds have ultimate authority over this regional body and they use it. Industry publications that are on the federal dole preach that everything is above board, transparent and fair at the council. Where are the fishermen who say the same? There are credible, informed members on the council. All are appointed by the same process. But they do not all come with the same politics, economics or agenda. Nor did they all get required gubernatorial approval by the same means.

There are members who represent groups who want the fishery resource privatized and they are there to make it happen. It’s not a secret. Reps from these groups coach their seated members in the lobby. The guy with one boat trying to keep his family’s business alive does not have that kind of access, period.