The New England Fishing Industry: A Case for Altering Conditions of Competition in Both the Fishery and in the Market

The New England fishing industry is presented in detail including an historical review, a discussion of current difficulties, and an examination of the public policy dilemma between resource conservation and industry promotion. Continuing efforts to revitalize the United States fishing industry are discussed and underlying problems that have had a negative impact upon the New England industry are outlined. Finally, an alternative public policy approach is developed which addresses fundamental difficulties in the new England region. This approach calls for an elimination of federal financial assistance to the fishing industry and a reduction in the amount of fishery imports reaching the New England market. Although this alternative approach is developed from the New England perspective, a wider application is possible.