Copy of an e-mail sent to a SAFMC Council Member (a friend of mine)

Rita,

How does one go about making a proposal to the Council?
Is there a format to follow?

I would like to submit a couple proposals / ideas.
Such as:
1) The King Mackerel report made a lot of sense and I would like to propose similar action to be taken for ALL species

2) As per the business meeting, there seems to be huge budget shortfalls for enforcement; I would like to propose the use / hiring of displaced commercial fishermen and the use of their knowledge and boats as contractors for enforcement officials. (in my opinion, win/win for both. Cut down on govt. spending, provide jobs for those the regulations will put out of business as well) The other benefit of this would be, the fishermen know all the tricks and it would help stop the real culprits in their tracks.

3) There is a huge demand for up-to-date data; I would like to propose scientists and data collectors to consider using the passenger fishing fleet for data collection and that of taking scientists onboard. (Specifically, Head Boats) Again, would be win/win. By doing so, scientists would get good – up to date info and the headboats get to continue in business. Additionally, I would like to propose an online logbook that passenger fishing vessels should have to fill out at least weekly – this would make for “real time” data collection, and accountability.

I have a bunch of other ideas and would like to learn the proper process before proceeding.

Thanks for all your help!