Conservation fishery program

Mainebiz:

"Three conservation organizations are launching a novel plan to work with the local fishing industry to support sustainable fishing practices in the state.

The Nature Conservancy, Island Institute and Penobscot East Resource Center have joined forces to purchase two groundfishing permits, which they will make available to fishermen doing research on more sustainable fishing practices, according to a press release. The organizations are covering the costs of the research, including the permits, fuel, fishermen's time and time for research supervision scientists. The practice is called permit banking and will allow the organizations to work with fishermen on collaborative research projects without asking them to use their valuable days at sea associated with each permit."