Crisis in coastal communities across the country. Fishermen both commercial and sport say theyre being bullied by the federal government. Controversial new rules that dictate when, where, and how much fish they can catch are destroying their ability to make a living on the water. Some commercial fishermen have been forced to sell their boats on the water. Some commercial fishermen have been forced to sell their boats and call it quits. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, commercial and recreational fishing generates about $72 billion a year and supports close to two million jobs. In less than a decade, this once-thriving industry has become a casualty of big government regulation with profitable sea ports on their way to becoming coastal ghost towns. Whats worse, say frustrated fishermen, is that no one seems to care. Tangled in the red tape are places like Morehead City, NC., Portland, MI, and Alaskas Cook Inlet all fishing hubs that suffered major setbacks this summer after losing court battles against the government over the legality of the new rules.
The special debuts Monday at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Fox Business Network.
Fox Business Network spent the past two months visiting these coastal areas, talking to local fishermen, and discussing with local, state, and national leaders about what the future holds for fishing.
Places we visited:
Morehead, NC
Beaufort, NC
Portland, MI
Gloucester, MA
Captain Keith
Longs SC
Feedin Frenzy Charters
http://www.NorthMyrtleBeachFishingCharters.com
http://www.feedinfrenzycharters.com/index.htm