Fishing is the Law of the Land

The article focuses on the increasing regulations imposed on the commercial fishing industry and the impact such laws will have on the ​“right of fishery.” It specifically analyzes a recent federal decision in a Rhode Island case, that ruled in favor of ​“valuable trap allocation to a select few.” It discusses the concept of the right of fishery related to the ​“public trust doctrine,” supporting a common right of fishery, subject to regulation. The article encourages commercial fishermen to join in the management process, build relationships with the scientific community, undertake cooperative research, hold councils and the NMFS accountable to laws, and petition Congress to change laws when appropriate.