Norman D. Dicks: “I've got a letter and let me read you this letter because I think it really picks up what this program is about so that…”

“I've got a letter and let me read you this letter because I think it really picks up what this program is about so that Members understand that this is a program that is going to help the fishermen, not hurt them: We are writing to ask your continued support for the groundfish trawl program in the FY12 and FY13 National Marine Fisheries Service budget. Today, a year after the implementation of catch shares in our fishery, things are beginning to improve. We are seeing higher prices for several key groundfish species. We have greater flexibility in when and how we fish. Discards are down dramatically. Gear innovation is on the rise. Fishermen, processors, fishery managers, and others are coming together to make this new program work. While the new management system will require ongoing improvement to maximize economic and biological performance, the early trends are positive. As we continue into the second year of the catch share program, a fundamental challenge confronts us--observer and program management costs. The high cost of observers--a key element of the catch share program--is a subject of deep concern to many of us. While over time we will assume more of these costs, we continue to require Federal assistance during the transitional phase to help support the cost of observers. {time} 2300 So here we have a group of people who think that this is the program of the future. It is decided upon by a regional council under the Magnuson-Stevens Act.…”