Get an insider's look at the massive threats facing West Coast small-boat fishermen in Nancy Danielson Mendenhall's fascinating new book, Rough Waters. Sweeping ecological changes, weak management, and pushback from industrial fishing are all conspiring to gradually undermine the ability of small-scale commercial fishermen to make a living. As a result, fishing families and towns—and those businesses that rely on them—are struggling to stay afloat. Mendenhall delves into the root causes and effects of the industry's problems through stories, photos, in-depth interviews with those most affected, and analysis from biologists and social researchers. The book presents the issue in two parts, first analyzing the state-managed fisheries on the West Coast and then looking at federally managed fisheries. Mendenhall goes on to compare the industry in the United States with those in other parts of the world and then examines the destruction wrought by the new strategy of "catch share" management. As more national environmental groups take interest in the plight of small-boat fishermen, hope that the industry can be saved has been rekindled. But as Rough Waters reveals, the battle to preserve this unique livelihood won't stop any time soon.

Rough Waters: Our North Pacific Small Fishermen's Battle : A Fishing Family's Perspective

History

Mendenhall, Nancy Danielson

Americas

Far Eastern Press

Storytellers at the Columbia River

Literature & Fiction

United States

<p>"Rough Waters: Alaska to Oregon, Small Fishermen's Battle" is for the great numbers of people drawn to fish, fishing, fishermen and their communities. But beyond those always engaging topics is the worry today over our fisheries' sustainability. The warming of our oceans, the politics and management issues are part of the growing public concern. For coastal people, especially, and river lovers too, the changes can't be ignored. Fishermen of the small-boat fleets (salmon, crab, halibut and cod, through nets, pots, troll and longlines are the ones particularly covered here) are the canaries in our giant watery coal mines. And they are always in competition with the industrial fleets and their lobbyists.The communities of the small-boat fleets are also at risk. Especially the youth are floundering--the ones who had planned to take over their folks' beloved livelihood. The transfer of permits and licenses to owners who never fish is evidence. The plight of specific fishing families described here will be familiar to those who come from a small-farming background."Rough Waters" presents all this graphically through a blend of on-the-dock interviews, the author's personal experience, historical photos and extensive research. It reveals the threats to a livelihood that for generations has been a huge part of the Northwest Coast mystique.</p>

Rough Waters: Alaska to Oregon: Small Fishermen's Battle

Business & Money

Industries

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Books by Mendenhall, Nancy Danielson