Small-scale commercial fishing in southern New England

Abstract

This description of the small-scale sector of the Southern New England (Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut) fishery includes information on the fishermen (their ages, education, experience, occupational training, family involvement and reasons for fishing) and the physical characteristics of the fleet (the boats and gear). Fishing patterns are analyzed by species, geographical areas and seasons. The economic structure of small-scale fishing is described in terms of investment, net and gross earnings, fuel costs, crew payments systems and marketing arrangements. Management implications of this information and analyses are included.