Conversion of fishing vessels and training of fishermen for oceanographic surveys

In January 1996, CR Environmental, Inc. was awarded a NOAA Fishing Industry Grant for the “Conversion of Fishing Vessels and Training of Fishermen for Oceanographic Surveys, Research, and Resource Assessment”. The year long project has had a positive impact on both the New England fishing and oceanographic communities. With fishermen restricted in the number of days they can fish, oceanographic operations have provided a supplemental form of income. At the same time, the fishing vessels have provided cost-effective survey platforms during a period of reduced funding in the oceanographic industry. CR Environmental was assisted on this project by two local fishermen. The major components of the grant were: classroom and shipboard training of fishermen; modification-of model vessels a 62 ft inshore dragger and a 91 ft offshore dragger; purchase of an equipment pool for oceanographic work; and marketing through attending meetings, publishing articles and paid advertising. Thirty-two captains and vessel owners were given classroom and shipboard training. The model vessels which had already been used for oceanographic survey work were further modified and equipped for the training exercise. Participating in the seminar and shipboard demonstrations along with CR personnel were a highly qualified team of consultants including a former research vessel captain, technicians and scientists from the local research institutions, oceanographic equipment manufacturers, a marine architect, a marine hydraulics expert, and a U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Officer. Half of the 20 fishing vessels in the program and 50 fishermen secured oceanographic work in the northeast