CIIFA
MISSION STATEMENT
<>< We decided that we should stop hoping that
the other hook fishermen's group on Cape Cod, would ever do
anything for the small boat fishermen who were
state licensed.
<><We
are committed to the idea that a commercial fisherman should be treated
as an equal, regardless of their method of fishing.
<>< The Cape and Islands
Inshore
Fishermen's Association has been formed to provide the small
scale
owner operator fishermen of S.E.
Massachusetts with a formal advocate on the many issues that
confront them and their ability to access their fisheries in an
effective
and worthwhile manner. We aim to provide support for our members
interest's in the form of communications, which we will provide in the
form of an email list and a web site which will include updates to
regulations, news and information relevant to our members.
Information is knowledge and knowledge is power, so we are going to
attempt to keep our membership well informed and provide assistance to
find information for our members when needed.
<><Among our
association's goals, are
obtaining equal access for all gear types for fisheries that are
conducted in Massachusetts state waters and to address the relevant
regulatory authorities management of our coastal environment. We
look to improve how small scale owner operators are able to access
the fisheries. We are an association that will be primarily focused
on hook and line commercial fishing, but will welcome other fishermen
as members and
work with other user groups. We look forward to joining the
Massachusetts Fishermen's
Partnership as well as appointing members to represent us at NEFMC,
Ma. D.M.F. and the various local municipal agencies who regulate
shell fishing.
<><Another goal of
CIIFA will be the
non privatization of our state permits. We feel that permits should
not be transferred privately or have value beyond the cost of
permit as issued. We feel that our industry is unable to provide
opportunities for new, younger participants under our present
permitting scheme and that there needs to be a fresh approach to our
permitting system to provide these
opportunities.
<><We look forward to
working for these
and other goals that we feel will make fishing in Massachusetts better
and more profitable
for everyone who lives in
Massachusetts.