This would not force IFQs on any fishery management council. Among other items, the bill will make the Department of Commerce hold double referenda on IFQs, does not allow fish companies or processors to hold IFQs, and can't sell IFQs except on a case by case basis. The Senator will be introducing another bill to address the lack of funding and inadequate science for fisheries management. Senator Breaux stated that different regions need different solutions and IFQs should be used as a tool for the fishery management councils but not as a mandate for use. Senator Kerry commented on how to resolve the different regions and fisheries issues and that the fishery management councils should not be deprived the use of a tool.
Limited entry is similar to IFQs.
He would like to devise national criteria for quota-based management and would like to look into the fairness issue at fishery management councils raised during field hearings. New England is not fond of IFQs - quota management does not work. A meeting held at the Maine Fishermen's forum identified a number of issues with IFQs including do not privatize, do not make them transferable, and be equitable. Any management must recognize the need for healthy fish stocks and emphasis should be on historic practices versus recent. Urges processors be allowed to obtain IFQs, otherwise processors will go bankrupt.