In this entry: quotes, warm up questions, discussion questions, resources
VIDEO SUMMARY:
In this video report, NewsHour correspondent Lee Hochberg explores how rising fuel prices are affecting tuna fisherman in the Northwest as they try to make money while paying substantially more money to fuel their boats.
Hochberg follows commercial tuna fisherman Lewis Hill as he fills up his boat and worries about how he will afford to paythe $45,000 he expects to spend on fuel during the summer season. Fuel for his boat is 70 percent more expensive this year compared to last.
Hochberg's report shows how more expensive fuel is really hurting commercial fisherman who have to keep prices low enough to compete with farm-grown tuna and tuna canned overseas.
The report also features interviews with other players in the tuna supply system who explain who high fuel prices affect everyone involved, including the company that sells the tuna and boat repairers.
The end of the report touches on government subsidies, which Lewis says could help the industry during a tough time.
QUOTES:
"if the price of the fish do not come up to offset fuel, we won't be fishing. You know, nobody wants to do this for nothing." - Richard Hagel, commercial fisherman
"That oil affects everything. My supply for fiberglass materials has doubled for the material itself, and then it's gone up also for transportation costs for shipping it around. So some guys can't afford to fix their boats." - Bruce Hatton, boat repair contractor
"Well, the government subsidized the farmers; they've been bailing the airlines out; they've been bailing the bankers out. We need help, too. You know, you watch the news. This government isn't doing squat." - Lewis Hill, commercial fisherman
WARM-UP QUESTIONS:
Think about the foods you eat. How might higher gas prices affect the cost of farming, processing and transporting these foods? How might expensive gas prices affect fishermen?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
What was new information in this report, what did you already know?
Think about all the ways that high gasoline prices affect these fisherman. How do they apply to other industries or activities?
How do the fisherman try to use cooperation strategies to survive high gasoline prices?
What is a government subsidy? What are some arguments for or against government involvement with tuna fishing?
How does this report relate to globalization? Does it make you optimistic or pessimistic about the American economy?
RESOURCES:
Transcript of this report
Online NewsHour:
Consumer Price Index Report Adds to Economic Woes
Alaskan Village Copes With Real-life Impacts of Global Climate Change
High Oil Costs May Advance Conservation Research
In-depth Coverage: Alternative Fuels
Online NewsHour Extra:
High Gas Prices Changing Habits, Consumer Choices
Comments