Theories & Hypotheses

The Fishermen’s observations & wisdom regarding the GOM Fisheries

Trawler Ops & Observations

  • Best fishing is during spawning
  • Big fish come in and leave first
  • While spawning, nothing else matters to the fish
  • Spawning not exactly the same time & place every year
  • If observer on-board, captain may avoid fish to avoid unwanted catch
  • Newly closed area forces captain to seek and learn open gathering times & places for targeted species
  • Most captains will continue to fish the same place once he is successful there
  • Small boats must sell daily at the going price
  • Choke species quota is sold above the price of the fish