ITQ's LAP's Catch Shares, all of it is complete BS

ITQ's LAP's Catch Shares, all of it is complete BS!  


Let me tell you what ITQ (individual Transferable Quota) did for me and what it did for the Surf Clam industry:  


In the late 1980's and early 1990's a bunch of us were fishing off the Balk Plateau for Wreckfish. WE WENT to Management - the first time in history industry went to management with a plan on husbanding the industry for a "Long-Term - SUSTAINABLE Fishery"  


There was NO recreational value as the fish are on the EAST side of the Gulf Stream in 325 - 425fathom of water. (6' per fathom) and in currents of 4 - 5 kts.  


We went to them with a 90 day closure plan (when the fish were ripe eggers and prices were at the highest - you see, we all knew if we killed the pregnant ones, the fishery would collaps so there was no sence in killing them for money when they were in the spawn) 


Additionally, we asked for a 10,000 trip limit to insure top quality and lesser of market gluts.  


The plan worked beyond all of our wildest dreams! 


Boat prices went from $1 per lb to $2 per lb. Expenses were cut in half - profits were WAY up. EVERYONE was very happy with the plan EXCEPT NMFS -  


Then, they stuck a ITQ system on place and made it un-profitable for the average guy to go. 


I caught 300,000 lb with a 9 month season and 10,000 trip limit. I was rewarded 56,000 lb as an ITQ. the TOP guy got 110,000 lb and he had started the fishery!!! Long story short, the guys that caught 5,000 their entire lives were rewarded 25,000 each and they could sell to the highest bidder ... (kinda like Obamanomics)


Long story short ... the entire fishery was bought up by a few fishermen that were in the "Lucky Sperm Club" and had daddys with deep pockets.  


Now lets look at the surf clam industry - once a fabulous fishery with fishermen employing THOUSANDS of people - after ITQ, it went to the processors, and now is owned by ONE person!! 


Guess what ... that person is in bed with politicians and is a multi-millionaire because of it.  


Know how many jobs are now in the surf Clamming industry?? About 50.  
All ITQ's LAP's, IFQ's or whatever else they want to call them are a bunch of bullshit that will end up giving only a very select few with a lot of $$ complete control. (Like the Japs coming over and buying it, it as it is in Alaska with the Canadians owning 49% of the Halibut and Cod fishery)  


Every single person with an interest in the fishing industry - REGARDLESS of your interest must oppose it. 


After reding this .... are you still interested in working on the water?
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