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| Empty Oceans, Empty Nets: Regional Interests |
Northeast: Empty Oceans, Empty Nets explores in detail the collapse of the North Atlantic cod fisheries. Using historic and modern footage, the documentary sets forth reasons for the collapse, including fishing practices such as trawling, which fish deep waters where juvenile cod find sanctuary, and government subsidies that help fuel the growth of the world fishing fleet. Scientists and fishermen give their views on what happened to North Atlantic cod, and the lessons we can learn from the collapse. Empty Oceans, Empty Nets traveled to New York and Boston for location filming and research with fishermen, scientists, and vendors, including New York City's Fulton Fish Market and Boston's Legal Seafood.
Atlantic Coast: A steadfast decline not only in North Atlantic cod, but North Atlantic swordfish is documented in Empty Oceans, Empty Nets. In this case, the controversial nature of fishing declines is highlighted, as fishermen deny the problem, and scientists provide data supporting a different point of view. The plight of the swordfish raises the issue of fishing in international waters, and the international rules that govern such catches. Fishery managers opine on international laws and enforcement difficulties.
Pacific Northwest: The collapse of the Pacific salmon fishery is the West Coast equivalent of the cod crash. The decline of the Pacific salmon is the result of habitat destruction ranging from hydroelectric damming of rivers to bad timber management. Salmon loss affects not only the seafood market, but the entire Northwest forest ecosystem, according to scientists who weigh in on the subject. Parts of Empty Oceans, Empty Nets were filmed on location in Vancouver; Portland, Oregon; and in Seattle at Pike Place Market.
Alaska: Fish caught in Alaskan waters through trawling and other methods are rapidly transported to international markets. Empty Oceans, Empty Nets examines how Alaska's thriving salmon and halibut fisheries are drawing fishermen from all over the world. The crew visited Juneau and Petersburg, Alaska for footage detailing Alaska's fisheries management. Their examination provides examples of potential solutions, offering the hope that market incentives and effective fisheries management can help reverse the fish population declines documented in Empty Oceans, Empty Nets.
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