Science for Canada’s Atlantic Inshore Seas Fisheries

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Abstract
This study is a sequel to "Science for Canada’s Shelf Seas Fisheries" by Regier and McCracken (1975).Inshore seas fisheries cannot be defined rigorously and only acquire meaning on the Atlantic coast where there are many weakly organized fishermen based in about 2000 communities.This paper attempts to identify the science effort necessary to help resolve the problem of making decisions about many small fisheries-based communities. Particular attention is paid to the east coast of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.Science effort has not been related to an inshore–offshore seas relationship, and there is little difference in natural science needs between inshore and shelf-seas fisheries, with the exception of research on such important invertebrates as lobster, local mapping and monitoring of invertebrates, studies on seaweeds, and development of a viable extension service. An understanding of the cod–capelin–mammal complex off the east coast of Newfoundland and Labrador is urgent. Managing the aquatic resources of the Gulf of St. Lawrence on a multiple-use and multiple-species basis has high priority.These science needs are seen in the perspective of a manipulative sociopolitical subsistence system which perpetuates high unemployment, low income, and much dependency on government; and of three broad policy options. The only untried option aims for a balanced corporate–noncorporate fishery and attempts to counter the manipulative system by suggested measures which promote equity, productivity, and creativity. A broad congruence of issues on an international scale points to greater theoretical acceptance of this option; however, the greater degree of material sacrifice may not be acceptable to those affected.If this course is followed, demand to resolve the natural science problems identified above will be much greater. Social science activity will also have to change direction towards (a) more interdisciplinary study and input in decision-making, (b) more emphasis on innovation rather than analysis, (c) more countervailing sources of expertise. Community development is of critical importance in its role of stimulating self-help and of being a mirror image of corporate planning.It is essential to greatly increase inshore fisheries representation in fisheries decision-making. Some principles developed in this paper may also apply to other areas where rural communities suffer encroachments from corporate interests.

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