US Coastal Communities Fight for Space for Small-scale Fishermen

This article, featured in Reuters, discusses the growing concerns of US coastal communities over the privatization of public waters and its impact on local economies and small-scale fishermen. Learn more about the challenges facing coastal communities and ongoing efforts to protect their way of life.

The article highlights several key issues:

  • Industrial-scale fish farms: Critics warn of the negative ecological and economic impacts of large-scale fish farms in federal waters.
  • Federal permitting system: The current system is criticized for favoring big business and pushing out small-scale fishermen.
  • Coastal real estate development: The increasing value of coastal property is squeezing out independent businesses.

The article also explores efforts to address these concerns, including local initiatives to restrict fish farm operations and national legislation aimed at reauthorizing agriculture and fisheries laws. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing small-scale operators and local economies in the future development of coastal communities. Get the full story — dive in here!