Study Results Show Strong Support for Californias Fishing Industry

A recent telephone survey of 801 Californians, conducted by the public opinion and attitude survey and research firm, Responsive Management, confirms the public's support for local, harvested seafood and family-run fishing operations.
The survey was conducted on behalf of the Alliance of Communities for Sustainable Fisheries (ACSF). The survey included questions about recreational fishing in coastal areas of California, the ecological health of coastal fisheries and wildlife, and fisheries and wildlife management along the coast.

When asked about the importance of commercial fishing to the state's economy, 79% rated commercial fishing at a midpoint or higher level of importance. Also, 59% considered foreign factories or large corporations as the type of fishing that harms the ocean, while 66% do not feel that fishing harms the ocean at all.

With the knowledge that California fishing is more regulated than in other countries, 82% surveyed said they would rather buy locally harvested fish, while 63% said they would not be willing to buy imported seafood if it would put California family fishermen out of business.

"It's difficult to understand why national conservation groups work in partnership with fishing in foreign countries, yet they seem not to care about marine protected areas and reserves in the U.S. that are driving small, local fishing businesses out of business," said ACSF member Vern Goehring, manager of the California Fisheries Coalition.

When presented with the scenario of commercial fishing bans, only 24% agreed that commercial fishing should still be banned if scientific evidence shows that fish stocks are stable or already recovering. And 37% agreed that recreational fishing should still be allowed in the same scenario, while commercial fishing should be banned.

When asked about fisheries and tourism, 71% said they enjoy visiting working waterfronts in communities that have them.

The ACSF is also concerned with the effects of pollution and other factors that are detrimental to ocean health. When presented with the issue of pollution, 92% of people rated pollution in any form as a high or moderate threat to the ocean.

"This study shows that the state of California is out of step with the values of the majority of Californians when it comes to how the ocean will be protected, and in valuing the role of the family-run commercial fishing businesses," said ACSF member Mike Ricketts. "The state officials are going to close 40% of the best fishing areas to fishing. Policymakers' actions will put many of these small fishing businesses out of business, and Californians will lose the ability to buy local, fresh fish."
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