APPENDIX III APPENDIX 
storage made the product unacceptable. NMFS is developing 
methods to extend the product's shelf life. Resulting pro- 
cessing improvements for minced silver hake may also be 
applicable to other species having shelf life problems. 
Production of frozen fish products requires extensive 
investments in processing and freezing facilities. If U.S. 
production of frozen fish products is to increase appreciably, 
large investments in machinery and facilities will be needed 
according to NMFS officials. Domestic processors have not 
invested heavily in frozen fish production facilities because 
of the competitive position of imports and reduced supplies. 
Marketing potential 
Expansion of fresh fish markets has been limited by the 
reduced abundance of the most highly favored species. High 
transportation costs to inland markets and lack of information 
on product distribution channels and wholesale prices were 
also cited as problems. 
Additional factors affecting potential for market develop- 
ment include the need for extensive marketing efforts that may 
be required to overcome consumer reluctance to purchase less 
popular groundfish species and the need to improve the 
quality of some groundfish products. A NMFS marketing official 
stated that consumers generally want mild tasting, white- 
fleshed fish and that they are reluctant to buy unknown or 
unattractive species or species with unappealing names such 
as dogfish. The need to improve the quality of groundfish 
was illustrated by a study of Western European market poten- 
tial which noted that U.S. fish products have a reputation 
for being of lower quality, and that U.S. exporters can 
expect to meet strong competition from other exporting 
countries as well as from European processors. Price, quality, 
and consistent supplies are key competitive elements. 
EFFECTS OF A 200-MILE LIMIT 
More effective management is needed to assure improved 
resource availability to U.S. fishermen. The Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act of 1976 provides an oppor- 
tunity for improved groundfish management through extension 
of U.S. jurisdiction over fisheries resources to 200 miles 
off U.S. coasts and by the creation of the Regional Fishery 
Management Councils. There is, however, still a potential 
jurisdiction problem related to control of the northeast 
portion of Georges Bank, a highly productive fishing ground 
off the New England coast but partially within 200 miles 
of the Canadian coast. Establishment of boundaries based on 
93 
