Every year, more family fishermen are being forced out of business because large corporations are gaining control of our fisheries. Small-scale fishermen are in the same boat as small family farmers. Large corporations are monopolizing the sea for big profits at the cost of the livelihood of the small fishermen and the quality of fish products to every day consumers. 18% of US fisheries are already privatized, and 30% of fish populations in U.S. oceans are overfished or are on the brink of collapse.

The good news is that our oceans belong to all Americans, not just those who have the most money. By ensuring fair and equal access to our oceans and fisheries, we can restore a small-scale fishing culture and way of life in coastal communities, as well as put more local, sustainable seafood on our plates.

Eight Green Corps organizers have fanned out along the coasts this fall-- from Seattle to Portland, Maine-- building the people-power that'll show our elected officials that they need to stand up as champions for our oceans and small-scale fishermen.

We're asking key Senators and Representatives to call for Congressional oversight hearings on fisheries management this fall so we can protect this precious natural resource, as well as our small-scale fishing culture, for generations to come.