By Matt Simmons, The Narwhal, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

At least a quarter of major fish stocks in Canada are in decline, but efforts to  rebuild them  — such as closing fisheries or setting catch limits — are  often met with strong opposition due to negative socioeconomic effects.  Now a new study by University of British Columbia researchers shows the  short-term financial pain can lead to long-term gain — and that pain can  be eased by providing fishers with social and economic assistance.