Rodman Sykes
Sector Management in New England
This project documents fishery management related changes in individuals, households, and communities in New England.
Elizabeth Wetterhahn
Rodman Sykes, 59, is a commercial fisherman out of Point Judith, Rhode Island. His family was in the fishing industry and he grew up on the docks fishing with his grandfather, father and uncles; he bought his own boat in 1984. He currently fishes predominantly for fluke (summer flounder) and skates. He is a member of Sector 5 and has participated in various cooperative research projects, including underwater cable monitoring off Vero Beach, Florida. Mr. Sykes believes that sectors could have been a great management tool but for the way National Marine Fisheries Services allocated quota. His business has been devalued by at least half because of his share allocation which has changed his long-term plans. He has experienced increased stress as a result of regulation and observers. The shore side infrastructure has been depleted as a result of regulation. Mr. Sykes believes that fish were unfairly allocated, but that sector management could have been very successful.
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