Leticia Pearsall

Leticia Pearsall Image
Location of Interview
Collection Name

Sector Management in New England

Description

This project documents fishery management related changes in individuals, households, and communities in New England.

Interviewer
Affiliation
Date of Interview
08-29-2012
Transcribers

Matthew Schult

Biographical Sketch

Leticia Pearsall, 40, is a registered nurse, married to commercial fisherman Niles Pearsall, who fishes out of Point Judith, Rhode Island. Mrs. Pearsall has no family history of fishing; her husband has owned his boat for about 11 years. He predominantly does dragging offshore. Her husband has been a member of sector 5 since sector management began. Mrs. Pearsall has a negative view sector management regulation; she finds it often overwhelming and confusing. She has seen a decrease in household income since sector regulations were implemented. Their quality of life was worse before Mrs. Pearsall got a job about 3 years ago; her additional income has helped greatly. However, her husband is more stressed than ever due in large part to regulation. Her husband hates fishing now, largely as a result of regulation and low quota allocation. She believes that the fishing industry is dying and that fishermen in Rhode Island lack representation. She feels that observer information needs to be utilized to improve quota allocation so that fishermen such as her husband can make a living.


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