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Thanks, Paul.

All your ideas have merit and the process is to use every available opportunity to respond to public scoping, public hearings and public comment requests. The directory you picked up at the meeting has all council member contact info. Generally, input is by email but verbal reinforcement and snail mail help when specific amendments or issues are on the table. Be sure you are on the SAFMC mailing list and check for upcoming meetings.

Scoping meetings (some in Jan and Feb) are the first step when regs are being developed and new ideas are in a good position to be heard and acted upon. Great time to both talk with council staff who prepare the info for council members and to get on the record any specific or general comments, ideas, etc.

Public hearings are later in the process and are useful when the alternatives and options have had a chance to "air" with council and fishermen. Good to be heard on record for the specific agenda items as well as bringing written backup.

Public comment to the council can be a last chance to get the ears of council members before approving regs going to the secretary but it is tough to get a majority to change anything at this point.

Public comment periods announced in the federal register is a last chance before putting regs into law--I don't know of any that ever got changed at this point.

Your #1 suggestion is the intent of the council but it helps to keep the momentum going if we hear it from constituents.

#2 & #3 were discussed in the respective AP and Committee meetings to some degree and we have heard similar thoughts -- seems like commercial fisherman are the last to be trusted but the ideas should be addressed, repeated, every chance you can.-------took me 12+ years for them to decide to do anything with the mackerel issues

Thanks again,
Rita