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Fly Rod,
The frustrating thing is that according the best available science, herring are being fished sustainably. However since all of the trawlers are taking these herring in the same places relatively nearby, there has been "localized depletion" of herring. As a result, the herring have moved further offshore (and north). And other species such as tuna and cod have also left looking for them as well. (if you mention this to the herring industry they claim that this shift is due to recent weather patterns).
I think a larger issue here that is being overlooked is the issue of bycatch. There are reports that claim the gear used in the herring fishery is "clean" but then again there are other reports that document massive amounts of bycatch (see attached - the mackerel numbers alone are staggering).
First we need to do something about this localized depletion (cut back effort and/or entry?). Second, we need to insist that more observers are put on these boats to determine what the real deal is with bycatch in the atlantic herring fishery once and for all.
Mike Flaherty
Quincy, MA
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