Cape Cod Fisheries Trust: strengthening community and environment on Cape Cod.

• Position: Spotlight on: CLF Ventures - Brief article

DEPLETED FISH POPULATIONS, FISHING INDUSTRY decline and regulatory transitions pose serious challenges to the survival of New England fishing communities. The Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen's Association (CCCHFA) responded to these threats by establishing the Cape Cod Fisheries Trust (CCFT), a community-based fisheries management program that provides affordable fishing permits to the local fishermen in exchange for adhering to conservation and community best management practices. CLF Ventures, Inc. is collaborating with the CCCHFA to launch this unique permit bank that supports the Cape Cod fishing community while improving the sustainability of a key regional industry. CCFT must move quickly to acquire permits since market forces may otherwise deprive communities of the quota on which their future depends.

CCFT's mission is to ensure a lasting future for sustainable fishing on Cape Cod by managing fishing quota as a community asset. CCFT will lease its permits to local fishermen that meet eligibility criteria and satisfy community and...