I actually was a US observer of joint venture foreign fisheries in Alaska, based out of Dutch Harbor(initially why I watched this show). I can tell you that NOAA and the US coast guard changed fishing rules for crab seasons because of the idiots who risked not only there own lives, but that of the rescue crews doing stupid things for this Deadliest Catch series. The show responded but offering cash incentives for the largest catch brought in, just to add drama. Gold rush also was entertaining initially because I felt how cool to try that, and felt hopeful for the guys doing it, but after three seasons of poor financial management by the Hoffman crew, I just had to let that one go too!
Ultimately it's just ratings and entertainment, vs. sound judgement and modeling of a business.