Steven Welch
Sector Management in New England
This project documents fishery management related changes in individuals, households, and communities in New England.
Elizabeth Wetterhahn
Steven Welch, 51, is a fisherman out of Scituate and Plymouth, Massachusetts. He worked on boats as a kid and began commercial fishing full time when he graduated from high school in 1979. Since that time he has participated in most fisheries except herring; he now fishes offshore. Mr. Welch has been a member of sector 10 since sector management was initiated and participates as the treasurer. He does not like sectors or catch shares as he catches 62% fewer pounds under his allocation of quota than he did under the previous management by days-at-sea (DAS). Since sectors have begun, Mr. Welch has seen a noticeable decline in quality of life, finances, personal relationships and health.
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