Memo Assignment #4: Commercial Fishing

Reading:

You should read the following readings and come to class prepared to discuss it. The reading will also help you prepare the written assignment described below. Other class readings, videos, handouts, and web sites may also be of use in preparing your written assignment.

Memo Assignment #4: Does Commercial Fishing Have a Future?

Directions:

Write a memo that answers the question posed in the title of the readings. Be sure that your memo is argumentative in nature and supports your conclusions with examples from the readings or the videos we have seen in class. When writing your response, be sure to avoid inaccurate stereotypes. Be sure to read the articles on improving your writing and memos distributed early in the semester as they will help you prepare the assignment.

Web & Other Resources

The following websites and readings may help you in preparing this assignment.

	Perhaps the best example of a CPR problem is over fishing. See this interesting article from the Seattle Times (11/11) looking at the magnitude of the fisheries problems around the world. It is also a local problem. Read this Star News article (1/12) for a discussion of an attempt to try and protect our local sport fishermen in North Carolina.
	The lobster fishery in Maine is an excellent example of self-regulation of a fishery, albeit with a few problems. See this interesting article from September ''09 about the Lobster wars that sometimes occur.
	Of course Hardin's main argument was to warn of the dangers of overpopulation (Click here for a few articles on over population).
	Think technology will save us? Think again. As this article reminds us, neo-Malthusian view is alive and well (10/07). The UN assures us that assures us that ecosystems are at a tipping point (CNN - 5/10), although the UN also estimates that going green is likely to cost the planet an additional $76 trillion over the next 40 years (Fox News 7/11). And we thought the debt problems in the U.S. and Europe were bad
	Many nonprofits and advocacy groups also use science to try and shape public opinion and government policy. See this short article (9/07) describing how Pew Charitable Trusts attempts to influence fisheries policy.

Format of the Written Assignment

This assignment should take the form of a memo. It is limited to 2 single-spaced, 12 point font pages, with 1 inch margins and must be in a standard memo format. The reason that a memo format is required is that it is the standard means of communication in the world of business and government. Thus, these memo assignments will help you to develop your ability to analyze policy questions and to think, act, and communicate more effectively about environmental issues and problems.

Grading

Your memo should answer the question posed and be argumentative in nature. There is no one "right" answer. Instead, you will be graded on the strength and organization of your arguments as well as the quality of your writing. You may introduce any facts and evidence you wish to support your arguments. If you are unfamiliar with how to write a memo please arrange to see me or my graduate assistant during office hours for assistance.

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