Fish Locally Collaborative

The Fish Locally Collaborative is based on a give and take process where individuals and groups work together toward an intersection of common goals by sharing knowledge, learning and building consensus. Leadership is not required in a collaborative process and can sometimes bring better results through full and equal participation from all collaborators.

WHO ARE WE

The Fish Locally Collaborative is a group of  local fishermen, local fishing families, and local community-focused marine and social scientists, and fisheries advocates. Our mission is the recovery and maintenance of marine biodiversity through community-based fisheries.

HISTORY OF THE FISH LOCALLY COLLABORATIVE

The FLC builds upon the work of the Fleet Visioning Project created in December 2005. The Fleet Visioning Project united fishermen of mixed gear types and vessel sizes, scientists and fisheries advocates, and fishing community members, to create a shared vision for the future of New England fisheries. Over 300 people participated from a wide range of communities across New England.

THE FLEET VISION

A diverse, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable fleet that is managed through a participatory governance structure.

STRENGTHENING FISHING COMMUNITIES

By working together we build power. With power we create change. The FLC unites our fishing community members and recognizes the unique skills we bring to the table: Fishermen bring expert knowledge and direct experience; Advocates bring support and resources; and scientists, sociologists, and other academic experts provide important insights and data useful in talking to managers.  Through a dynamic and flexible collaborative we achieve both policy that works and socio-economic-political power that lasts.

WHO MAKES THE DECISIONS

FLC members make the decisions. We seek to model a genuine participatory governance structure that is bottom up. The local fishermen and fishing communities who are most impacted by policies, changing markets, and ocean conservation are at the center of the decision making table.

CHANGE IN ACTION

We are working to transform both fisheries policies and markets for seafood. The FLC is currently working on fisheries council agenda items, sector support and development, and Community Supported Fisheries (CSF) and other alternative marketing programs.

JOIN THE FLC

If you share our vision of restoring and enhancing marine biodiversity through community-based fisheries we invite you to join us.  Please contact Brett Tolley at brett@namanet.org or 718-570-2377 for more information.