Each fisherman knows that his catch has little impact on the stock. It is the aggregate harvest that is killing the bluefin. Fishermen want their competitors restrained, not them, however, there are many competitors, local and foreign fishermen, sports and commercial fishermen. These differing interests among fishermen are complicated by disputes as to the true state of the stock of bluefin. Even scientists have little clear understanding of the bluefin.
Fishermen dismiss the claims of scientists that the stock is dangerously low.
They see the scientists as unsympathetic to their dependency on the fishery and making decisions based on faulty information. Management of the bluefin fishery requires political action, but there are competing constituencies who lobby for regulations in their behalf. Recreational fishermen also want open access to the fishery, although they often support restrictions on commercial fishermen. The viability of fishing communities is at stake in these regulations. Given the competing economic and political pressures involved, limiting access and devising quotas to reduce fishing pressure has been very difficult.