Yes, but the profits can also be invested in transportation infrastructure, housing or elsewhere in the community, for example. Existing local health services could also be improved.
In this pilot project, new licences should ideally be issued for emerging species or species on the move, such as lobster in Quebec, rather than targeting existing licences. This would avoid too much disruption to existing fleets.
Also, the management of these community licences should be strictly regulated to avoid abuses, whether in terms of awarding contracts between fishers or marketing catches. Sound management must be ensured if the system is to function properly.