KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Two weeks after participating in the United We Fish rally in Washington DC, Kodiak’s Rhonda Maker has had time to consider the event and look towards the future of her pet cause: fighting the privatization of fisheries through catch shares.
— (Fish Folo 1 34 sec "One of the biggest … down the gun barrel right now.")
She said if catch shares continue to be the management tool of choice for the National Marine Fisheries Service, the affects on communities could be dire:
— (Fish Folo 2 6 sec "Once the fleet goes … any problem with it at all.")
Maker said she did not see anyone from Alaska’s congressional delegation at the rally, but did stop by Senator Mark Begich’s office to discuss the issue:
— (Fish Folo 3 32 sec "I’m very dismayed to say … the way that we used to.")
Maker said the Washington trip was not easy or cheap, and that she had a lot of support from friends and others who believe in her cause.
She said networking with like-minded fishermen was the lasting outcome of the rally for her:
— (Fish Folo 4 21 sec "It was real nice to see … what they believe in.")
To help with the networking, Maker has created a new website called "Kodiak Against Catch Shares."
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