Catch Shares: A Proven Tool

A 2008 study of over 11,000 fisheries found that catch shares prevent — and even reverse — the collapse of the world's fisheries when compared to conventional management.

Here are four ways catch shares mean more fish in the ocean:

1. Catch shares hold fishermen accountable for staying within scientifically-determined total allowable catch limits.
2. Catch shares reduce discards of perfectly good fish,and let fishermen keep more of their catch that regulations previously required fishermen to throw over the side, usually dead or dying.
3. Catch shares reduce harm on habitat and ocean wildlife — including sea turtles and dolphins— because fishermen deploy less gear.
4. Catch shares give fishermen a stake in protecting and restoring fish stocks.As fish populations improve, the amount each fisherman can catch increases. Fishermen who play by the rules directly benefit in the short and long terms.

Take Action

In support of NOAA's draft policy, Environmental Defense Fund is launching a new Catch Shares Action Toolkit to encourage all supporters and activists to join the effort to save America's fisheries.

You can do your part right now by submitting comments in favor of NOAA's draft policy.