Theodore Ligenza
Sector Management in New England
This project documents fishery management related changes in individuals, households, and communities in New England.
Matthew Schult
Ted Ligenza, 60, is a commercial fisherman out of Chatham, MA. He began fishing around age 22 after working on the fish pier in Chatham; he now has 3 sons, all of whom fish. He fishes different species organisms seasonally, generally inshore, though occasionally offshore for codfish. In 2003, Mr. Ligenza joined the George's Bank sector, which was the first sector, long before sector management became the primary management regime in 2010, and is now a member of the Fixed Gear sector that began in 2005. He feels that leasing and owning fish is an awkward concept. However, he continues to participate in the sector because he is uncertain of what future regulations will bring. He is concerned about being able to give his quota to his sons if they want to continue fishing after he retires and is not sure how this will unfold. He believes that interactions between fishermen have changed because of increased competition in the fisheries, partially because of sectors but also because the resource is limited. He has to work harder now to maintain the same income, largely because fish stocks have been deplete
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