A Fish Story

Originally broadcast on PBS, Courtney Hayes and Tim Gallagher's documentary A Fish Story addresses an ongoing controversy revolving around the possible depletion of fish populations off the New England coast and the threat of legislation that would affect the livelihood of fishermen. A 2000 lawsuit filed by environmental groups is key to the brouhaha, which has literally divided the fishing towns in Massachusetts. Two women who are married to commercial fishermen are at the center of the struggle: Angela Sanfilippo, a Sicilian immigrant, and Shareen Davis, who both bring more energy, eloquence, and spirit to their defense of the fishing industry than their respective husbands or any other men working the coastal waters (they're certainly more articulate than Senator Edward Kennedy, who briefly turns up to offer lame commentary on the subject). Unfortunately, however, A Fish Story never really presses each side about the genuine concerns of their opponents: i.e., the fishing community isn't challenged regarding the environmental problems caused by over-fishing (they call their opponents “eco-terrorists”), and the environmentalists offer no solution for ensuring economic viability for the fishermen (who, clearly, are barely surviving today). Shot over a five-year period, this handsomely produced documentary that raises questions but offers no answers is still a strong optional purchase, particularly for libraries along the Eastern seaboard. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)