[bulletbob]

Pretty simple.. Too many boats catching too many fish for too long...
Doesn't matter where the boats are from, here or "over there"... Those stocks really need time to regenerate..
The reason recreational types don't destroy fish stocks is because we can release small fish, OR big fish, we are limited by regulation as to how big and how many, and sea and seasonal conditions limit us as to when and where we can fish.. Big netters kill millions upon millions of juveniles of all species, and once dragged for miles in a net the fish die, period..
I don't know the answer for these fishermen that lived their lives catching fish, but simply letting them continue as is, is probably not the best way.. Cod Pollack, Haddock and various Hake type fishes, will come back strong, they are prolific breeders.. They just need a break.. Matter of fact, the way our own Ling fishing has been lately, don't be surprised if you see recreational limits on them too.. Just something I think will happen soon.. Can't say for sure... bob