It’s a tough issue and likely one we’ll be debating on the West Coast due to the collapse of the Salmon fishery. Europe isn’t immune, only the fish species changes with European Cod fishermen suffering a like fate.

Senators Kerry and Kennedy secured $13.4 million in funds to assist local fishermen, and are incensed that the agency charged with disbursement may want to buy back some commercial licenses with half – and pay the balance out to the affected fisher folk.

“In his letter to Paul Diodati, director of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, Oliver recommended that just half of the $13.4 million go toward fishermen’s subsidies. Oliver also recommended that 40 to 60 percent of the funds be used to buy back some of the 700 federal groundfish permits held by Massachusetts fishermen.”

“Capacity reduction, such as buyouts, is at the core of transitioning to a more stable fishing environment,” Oliver wrote.

Outside of the obvious emotional issues, there’s sound logic in both camps. A lot of livelihoods are at stake, and at the same time there may be too many fishermen to sustain the fishery were it to be restored.

Fish populations have been on the decline for years, for dozens of reasons – among them the increase in demand, and the increased mortality of mechanized harvest (an issue hotly debated in Europe).

For salmon fishermen this bears watching, as it may be a precursor to what you’re offered in assistance.