Frank Mirarchi
Collapse of the New England Fishing Industry
This research focuses on documenting the collapse of the New England fishing industry in 1990s, reconstructing a timeline of events and documenting the impacts on fishermen, employees from the support industry, regulators, council members, environmentalists, congress staff, US coast guard personnel, national marine fishery service staff, scientists, and journalists.
National Capital Contracting
Frank Mirarchi, a seasoned veteran in the fishing industry, began his career in 1962. Over the decades, he has witnessed a multitude of changes within the industry, including significant collapses in the 1990s. Mirarchi has been an active participant in the management efforts to control fishing mortality, primarily through the implementation of 'days at sea' regulations. These regulations, however, have not been without their challenges and inefficiencies, which Mirarchi has experienced firsthand. His career has not only been shaped by the changing dynamics of the fishing industry but also by the impact of fishing regulations on his personal and professional life. Despite the decline in wages for fishermen, Mirarchi has remained committed to his profession. His family has also been deeply involved in the industry, with his wife working in the state government to support their family amidst the changing economic landscape of the fishing industry.
Scope and Content Note
The interview provides a comprehensive overview of the changes in the fishing industry from the perspective of Frank Mirarchi, a seasoned fisherman. Mirarchi discusses the decline in fish stocks and the management efforts to control fishing mortality, primarily through the implementation of 'days at sea' regulations. He also shares his experiences on the council, highlighting the stress and conflicts involved. The impact of fishing regulations on the industry and Mirarchi's career path is also discussed, along with the effects on his family and the changing dynamics of the fishing industry. The interview also delves into the financial struggles of fishermen due to changes in permit values and the decrease in fish despite the number of boats. Mirarchi mentions the creation of a permit bank as a potential solution to help struggling fishermen in the community. The interview provides a unique insight into the challenges and changes within the fishing industry over several decades.
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