Sportfishing Manifesto

SavingSeaFood - Feds admit plan means loss of jobs

2009-12-28T06:26:00.000-05:00

SavingSeaFood - Feds admit plan means loss of jobs

Congressman sets date for Magnuson caucus - GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA

2009-12-14T07:03:00.002-05:00

Love him or not, we need to support him.

Our fishing lives depend on it!

Congressman sets date for Magnuson caucus - GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA

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SavingSeaFood - It's time to stop Magnuson from being a weapon against fishing communities

2009-12-08T06:38:00.000-05:00

WOW - what a fabulous article.

A must read for everyone in the fishing industry

SavingSeaFood - It's time to stop Magnuson from being a weapon against fishing communities - by Nils Stolpe

Response from My Letter to Senator Jack Reed

2009-12-07T12:30:00.001-05:00

Below is copy of an email I just got back from Senator Jack Reed.

This shows 2 things:

1) They DO respond if you contact them in the proper format.
2) Proof I am doing my part ..... are you?

Dear Mr. Forsberg:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the National Ocean and Great Lakes Policy Interim Report released by the Ocean Policy Task Force. I appreciate learning of your thoughts on this matter.

As you may know, on June 12, 2009, President Obama issued a memorandum creating the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, led by the White House Council on Environmental Quality. The Task Force is charged with researching and developing recommendations for a national policy that ensures the protection, maintenance, and restoration of our oceans, coasts, and the Great Lakes. On September 10, 2009, as required by the President's memorandum, the Task Force published its Interim Report. You can access this report and other information on the Task Force at http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/oceans.

On your behalf, I have taken the liberty of sharing your thoughts on the Interim Report with the Task Force. Please be assured that I will carefully review any response that I receive with your comments in mind and forward any information that may be useful to you.

Again, thank you for contacting me, and do not hesitate to write, call, or visit my website, www.reed.senate.gov, in the future for information regarding this or any other matter.

Sincerely,

Jack Reed
United States Senator
http://reed.senate.gov

Frank eyes federal 'caucus' to revise fishing law - GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA

2009-12-07T06:29:00.000-05:00

Now is the time to contact every single business person you do business with, and every politician on every level of government and ask them to support Barney Franks efforts.

Frank eyes federal 'caucus' to revise fishing law - GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA

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SavingSeaFood - Catch share debate heats up nationally

2009-12-03T05:23:00.000-05:00

SavingSeaFood - Catch share debate heats up nationally

Frank merits kudos for tackling Magnuson-Stevens - GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA

2009-12-02T07:08:00.001-05:00

Frank merits kudos for tackling Magnuson-Stevens - GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA

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SavingSeaFood - Congressman Frank sets sights on reform of fishing law

2009-11-30T07:19:00.000-05:00

I believe we fishermen may have a friend in Mr Barney Frank

We need to support him on this.

SavingSeaFood - Congressman Frank sets sights on reform of fishing law

LAP’S, ITQ’S, IFQ’S, IQF’S, and any other acronym Should Be Outlawed

2009-11-28T22:22:00.001-05:00

LAP’S, ITQ’S, IFQ’S, IQF’S, and any other acronym Are Unconstitutioal and should be outlawed. The Catch share system only assures all the allocation goes to the “Big Money Guys”.

Don’t believe me?

Look at Alaska Seafood Production – controlled by Tyson Chicken

Look at the Sea Scallop Industry – on its way to be controlled by a group of 8 to 10.

Surf Clam Industry – controlled by ONE person.

Wreck fish? HAH! That industry went from open to trip limits. Prices went from $1 per lb to $2 overnight with the trip limits. EVERYONE was happy – then .. the went ITQ. Look at the industry – only 3 players in it now and the prices of the fish are no where what they should be because of no steady supply.

Gulf Coast IQF’s? Are you kidding me????

Ask around and you will find 80% of the people HATE it. The only ones that like it are the big players.

It is unconstitutional to take a public resource and grant exclusive access to individuals. You can limit the amount, you can limit the number of licenses, etc. If it is a public resource, and you grant exclusive access, then you need to CHARGE A FEE to the user like that of the lumber industry or the oil industry.

(Lets hear the screaming on that one from the Big guys)

Management can be smart about it and decide on the Total Allowable Catch (TAC), determine which user group gets what, and let INDUSTRY DECIDE how to divide it up and manage it from within industry!

SavingSeaFood - OPINION: Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act receiving renewed attention in the Southeast

2009-11-24T07:46:00.000-05:00

It's Beginning to Happen!!
SavingSeaFood - OPINION: Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act receiving renewed attention in the Southeast

Barney Frank letter to Jane Lubchenco outlining fisheries concerns

2009-11-24T07:19:00.000-05:00

As you read the article in the link below,

I believe you will begin to understand that we as fishing professionals have a fighting chance of making a change to the the fisheries regulations.

Click Here To Read The Entire Article

What I got out of the article and letter is, if all fishermen were organized like the Scallopers in this article, we can get politicians interest, and get them to do some of the heavy lifting for us.

Do you think Barney Frank really cares about the Scallopers?

I don't, however ... he DOES care about getting re-elected and that is where the leverage comes from.

Click Here Now - read the article and .. please leave comments on this blog.

Who to Contact about Fisheries Regulations and How To Do It.

2009-11-17T08:52:00.000-05:00

I strongly suggest you save these for future reference.

When a bill to change regulations, or charge fees that you don’t like, here is a template you can use to get your message across and make sure it got through.

Your basic message is: (whatever you are informing them about, either against or for it)

Example:

Recreational Licensing fees,
Catch Shares,
Size Limits, etc.

Write, Fax, Phone and E-mail EVERYONE!!

I urge you communicate with your

Town Supervisor
County Representative

State Representative
State Senators
Fishery Council Members
Secretary of Commerce
The President of the United States

With computers and word programs

there is absolutely no excuse to leave anyone out.

Contact Everyone.

Inform your friends who have an interest.

Ask them to communicate.

I urge you to use your own words, use the KISS principle, and please…Do Not be Insulting or Negative Towards Anyone

Identify yourself and Town, State your position and why you Support or Oppose this issue.
Be Brief, if they have questions they will ask. If you get a secretary.
ALWAYS ask for the legislator’s response to your position.
If you receive no response after a reasonable period, FOLLOW-UP WITH ANOTHER COMMUNICATION.

It is important ALL sportsmen communicate NOW!

Be a Communicator – they don’t know what your concerns are or what you want unless YOU tell them!

Column: Fishing communities need facts not fear - EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA

2009-11-15T10:38:00.001-05:00

Column: Fishing communities need facts not fear - EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA

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How To Get Attention and Get Noticed With Fisheries Managers

2009-11-14T12:16:00.002-05:00

I recently had the opportunity to attend a meeting where a few State Representatives attended and gave us an education on how to properly communicate with Bureaucrats and get things done, or at least, get yourself heard.

Before I get started on it though,
I would like to share with you (in my experience) of what goes on with a troublesome client – The reason I want to do this is because I want you to think of it as you read the article and think to yourself how do you handle troublesome clients.

First off, for those of you readers that do not know me, I literally “grew up” in the passenger fishing business and have been dealing with the public most of my life.

Looking back, what I would do with troublesome customers,

was to try and appease them and make them happy. Many of the customers we has would come fishing with us every weekend. Once and a while we would get a guy that knew it all and had something to say about everything. Nothing we did would be good enough, and he would constantly berate us or complain. What we would do is, after a while, turn a deaf ear to him and hope he would eventually go away. If he didn't we would do little changes here and there. Furthermore, the service we to him would wane, and after a while, they would simply “Go-away.”

They were “Un-welcome Pests”

On the other hand,

we had clients (still do) that would come every weekend, be somewhat helpful and understanding if everything didn't go just right, and were appreciative of what we were doing and trying to accomplish. No I have to tell you .. these people got all the little “extras” we would give and we looked forward to their business.

They were and still are “Welcome Guests”

Think about this when you read the rest of this article.

Because we are nothing more than clients to the politicians, and if we all do our part in being “welcome guests” instead of “Un-welcome Pests,” I believe we could accomplish all we set out to do when it comes to fisheries management.

Now I know you are probably thinking “I am the tax payer here and they work for me .... while true, you and I are no different than a client.

Standing room only was the order of the evening at a recent State License Fee meeting in Connecticut.

Six or Seven (6 or 7) state representatives were there, along with over 100 other interested Sportsmen and Women.

Kudos for the Representatives for showing up.

They did a spectacular job of listening and educating us on how things work in government.

A few of the Representatives really “told it like it is” and the effect was immediate, thought provoking, and more than a little alarming.

The Representatives were there because they are on “our” side

and really attempting to do their jobs .... they also informed all of us that without our input, they cannot do their jobs effectively.

All of the Representatives had an opportunity

to give their opinions, and remarkably, ALL of them gave the same advice. I feverishly took notes, (next time I bring a small recorder and have it transcribed) and the next day I broke them down into categories. Surprisingly, it came down to only Two (2) categories which are listed below.

The advice they gave also was a request for help.

As I see it, if we do as they say, we will communicate more effectively, enhance out own credibility, and create a way for them to do their jobs better and help us!

Here are the Two categories:

1. Introduce yourself to local representatives and legislators. Educate them about your business.

Invite them out for a day, build a relationship.

· By building relationships with the representatives,

o You put a face to the voice

o Create an emotional bond

o Create a friendship – and who doesn't want to help friends?

o You become a trusted advisor to your occupation. They will “seek you out” for advice when a piece of legislation comes out that may affect you.

... Remember – Its Not What You Know .... It's Who You Know ...

2. You absolutely, positively, most definitely need to attend regulatory meetings.

· With regular attendance, you

o “See” the representatives on a different level. Because you did the work previously and built a relationship, they will naturally seek you out looking for your input , and you have much better chance of a positive outcome.

o Get to learn more about how the process works, and can ask more intelligent questions on a more friendly basis when you have the representatives out to your place of business again.

o Have something to talk about of which you both have participated in. This builds the relationship more, and you both will appreciate one another more.

o Learn who the players are and get to know them via introductions from the relationships you built previously. This will become self perpetuating, and you will gain more and more influence!

One of them said

“It's easy to complain about anything. Anybody can do it. Anyone can play Monday morning quarterback.

Complaining gets you no-where. If you do some work, like attend meetings, write letters and emails, along with creating relationships with legislators, you will have earned the right to voice your opinion. If you don't do any of the work, all the complaining in the world falls on deaf ears.”

Another one said, “If you don't go to meetings and get involved, you are just as guilty and are as much to blame as anyone.”

These people are swamped with bills on their desks. They all asked when submitting something, please make it short and easy to read with bullet points.

Identify the pain, (what you are against), followed by your ideas on how to correct it. These people cannot possibly know about everything ... that is why the relationship is so, so important. Then you need to identify what is wrong or what you don't like, why it won't work, etc, and close your argument with how you think it should be or could be fixed and why. (this makes you look like you know what you are talking about and gives them a way out of their position – lets them save face)

Personal Story: Years ago, I sat on the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission. I was an offshore fishing representative. At times, I had to vote on shellfish ground leases, shrimp trap regs, crab trawl regs, etc. While I know plenty about fishing offshore, I knew nothing about the inshore fishery. When someone from the meeting would get up and holler and call us names and insult us, let me tell you, we had one thing on our mind ... “how do I get rid of this guy” and it happened more than once.

On the other hand, we would have a guy get up, edify us and himself, tell us what was wrong with the plan and why, followed up with what he thought would work and why. Without exception, that person was invited to the “hospitality room” after the meeting for an informal discussion. This guy was always listened to, called for advise, and most of the time he got what he wanted.

Three P's

P.1) Policy:

what are you concerned about –

communicate in precise points,

keep it pithy in an easy to read and absorb format like bullet points.

P.2) Personal relationship:

who are you talking to?

Are they in your district?

Do you know them?

Have you met with them or attended a meeting with them?

P.3) Process:

Where is the thing you are concerned about in the process?

It takes a long time to get a bill passed

You must know your enemy!!

For example: The licensing fees being raised in the state of Ct and NY ...

The enemy is the budget deficit.

In other words, you must address the enemy in the fight –

· Do Not resort to calling names

Stick to the subject - Stay highly focused! Pick your target, lock the laser scope on it and keep it there!

· Do not talk about irrelevant subjects.... you must identify and target the exact enemy.

· Bring strong facts and figures .... be ready to back them up. The Stronger the Facts and Figures, the bigger the bullet

Push back! Become the squeaky wheel. It is true that the squeaky wheels get the grease. Never stop contacting them ALL THE TIME on the issues!
Hold them accountable. That squeaky wheel stays on top of the pile and after a while they need to grease it!

Remember .. you built a relationship with them, and if you did it right, you created a friendship. Everyone wants to help a friend.

· “Stinky Stuff” rolls down hill and the quiet ones are on the bottom ... therefore they get the “Stuff” that runs down the hill.

· Become a “Squeaky Wheel.” Squeaky Wheels get the most grease, which is ATTENTION!

You absolutely must bring strong facts and figures to the fight. That is the ammo which is needed. The stronger the facts and figures, the bigger the bullet.

Be the squeaky wheel! Just be nice about it.

· We all need to build relationships with all representatives

· We all need to become part of the solution – not part of the problem

· We all need to become “Welcome Guests”

· We all need to attend as many meetings as possible

· We all need to write snail mail letters

· We all need to write email letters

· We all need to speak as one voice .... if the fishermen in Alaska are having a management issue, we should all support them and they do the same for us.

Your Comments on This Please

2009-11-13T14:13:00.000-05:00

This just showed up in my email -

I am not sure how to interpret it -

Please read it over and leave your comments for discussion.

Meeting Notice Contact: Dr. Karen Burns
November 12, 2009 813-348-1630
Gulf Council to convene its Ecosystem Scientific and Statistical Committee

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene its Ecosystem Scientific and Statistical Committee in Tampa, Florida at the Crowne Plaza, 5303 W. Kennedy Boulevard. The meeting will begin at 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 7, 2009 and conclude by noon Tuesday, December 8, 2009. It will also be webcast over the internet via Gulf Council TV. A link to Gulf Council TV is available on the Council’s web site – www.gulfcouncil.org.

During its meeting, the Ecosystem Scientific and Statistical Committee will begin developing a conceptual framework for advancing an ecosystem approach for fishery management. The committee will also explore the use of ecological attributes in the Acceptable Biological Catch Control Rule. Finally, the committee will conduct an evaluation on the efficacy of the various models and approaches proposed to determine how recovering red snapper interact with vermilion snapper and groupers, as well as future data and research needs for these models.
Copies of the agenda and other related materials can be obtained by calling the Council office at 813-348-1630, or it can be downloaded from the Council’s ftp site – ftp.gulfcouncil.org.

The Ecosystem Scientific and Statistical Committee is a committee of biologists, economists, and sociologists knowledgeable about the biological and human aspects of Gulf of Mexico ecosystems. Members are appointed by the Council to provide advice on ways to add ecosystem considerations to the fishery management plans and actions, as well as advice on other ecosystem related issues.

The ecosystem approach to fishery management takes into account the protection of marine ecosystems and fosters the long-term sustainable use of marine resources in an ecologically and culturally sensitive manner through the use of a science-based ecosystem approach to resource management. The ecosystem approach does not replace current management, but instead supplements and enhances it.

Although other non-emergency issues not on the agenda may come before the Ecosystem Scientific and Statistical Committee for discussion, in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during these meetings. Actions of the Ecosystem Scientific and Statistical Committee will be restricted to those issues specifically identified in the agenda and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under Section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the intent to take action to address the emergency.

Meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Tina O’Hern at the Council at least five days prior to the meeting date.

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional fishery management councils established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council prepares fishery management plans designed to manage fishery resources in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

Please leave a comment in the comments section. I would like to hear your opinion on the matter.

Fishing License Meeting ... Standing Room Only

2009-11-06T04:22:00.025-05:00

After you read the entire dialog below, please think back to the last time you participated in a fisheries meeting .... and what did you do about it ... are you doing anything?

Standing room only at this meeting held at Cabellas in Hartford the other night. A lot of opposition to the proposed fishing license fee increase.
As you can see by the picture it was "standing room only."

What you cannot see from this picture is "who" was there - but I can tell you this .... only TWO (2) industry professionals were there. I was one of them, and Greg Dubrule was the other.

Below is a copy/paste from a Facebook conversation I had with a guy out of NY who is active in the fishery process.

Paul ... I cannot believe the amount of complaining that goes on with no participation from those who stand to lose the most .... it just blows my mind.

Phil - yeah - license meetings seem to be a hot ticket these days! Of course we've been warning people for years - their reaction? "ahhh - it'll never happen HERE!" yeah right - now it's too late to put the horse back in the barn.

Paul - You got that right Phil ..... Same problem with the regulations - everyone says no to everything - then "it" hits the fan and they begin to scream like a bunch of babies. Fishermen should have been part of the solution since 1976 instead of part of the problem. Access to a public resource, regulated with tax dollars is not an option in ANY other form of business.

Observation - I was one of 2 people in the fishing business there - the rest were hunters. Lack of participation does not give the right to complain by anyone but those who participate

Phil ...and I see it coming again - now starting with closed areas etc. Nobody believes it can happen but just look at Calif. Thousands of square miles of ocean CLOSED to ALL fishing. On the east coast we already have several areas in the GOM and George's closed to various types of fishing. Only one small step to take it to the next level. Damn fish huggers...

Paul - Only one way to address it - become VERY active in ALL fisheries meetings - I mean if they want to do something with a purple grackle in AK, ALL the east coast fishermen gotta scream like hell and visa versa. (one very big - loud voice) and we need to become a "special interest group interested in being part of the "solution" and not part of the "problem."
The environmentalists get a lot of their funding from big oil. Big oil is using them to take out the fishermen because when big oil has a problem (like the Valdez) they get sued by the fishermen. Big oil wants to drill, fishermen scream. Environmentalists work "with" them.
You think that maybe big oil wants to drill in Georges? I know they do and it will happen. They look at things in a 20 -40 year plan - not next season. I better stop ... I can go on for days.
FYI: don't believe me on the environmentalist and big oil, Google it for yourself

Phil - You are right, Paul. The Pew Environmental Trust was started with $$$ from Sun Oil Co. soon after the Exxon-Valdez. They have a bottomless war chest and they use gullible enviro fish-huggers to fight their battles for them. They have their fingers in most national "fisherman advocacy groups" like ASA and CCA and have been quietly influencing fisheries policy for two decades now. It will take an unprecedented effort by fisherman to regain all the ground we've lost to date.

I could go on for days too - I've been living this nightmare myself for years now as I watch friends in the business needlessly go down year after year - it's really heartbreaking....

Paul - Nothing is impossible ...2 young people took down ACORN.

Amtrac Mess - Niantic Fishermen have a problem

2009-11-02T20:36:00.002-05:00

Thanks a lot Amtrac!

Stuck Amtrak bridge traps boats niantic east lyme | wtnh.com connecticut

2009-11-02T20:22:00.000-05:00

Stuck Amtrak bridge traps boats niantic east lyme | wtnh.com connecticut

Midwater Trawl Allowed - with Observers

2009-10-28T19:09:00.000-04:00

Thank goodness these boats will be required to have observers on them ......

Effective on November 2, 2009,
at the request of the New England Fishery Management Council,
NOAA Fisheries Service's Northeast Regional Administrator is adding three conditions
to to the Gulf of Maine /Georges Bank Herring Midwater Trawl Authorization Letter for vessels
fishing in Closed Area 1:

100 percent observer coverage
Prohibition on slipped codends, and
Requirement that all fish be pumped aboard to allow sampling by the observer.

Reports of groundfish bycatch in Area 1
over the past several years prompted the New England Fishery Management Council
to request that NOAA Fisheries Service implement additional observer requirements for vessels
that fish with midwater trawl gear, in order to obtain additional bycatch information.

Access to other Northeast multispecies closed areas is not affected by these regulation changes.

We can't be-grudge anyone from making a living ..... but one of the biggest problems with the inshore fishery is the fish that live there don;t have enough to eat .... look at the recreational Cod-fishery .... coming back in a big way with the return of the herring ...

Little Trivia: Did you know that the codfishes' natural enemy while in the larvae stage is the herring and sand eel?
They hatch (herring and sand eel) a little sooner than the cod and eat the cod eggs and larvae in the early stages .... then, the cod takes over and chases them for the rest of their lives.

State Governors Speak Out Against Looming Closures in Gulf

2009-10-28T18:54:00.000-04:00

State Governors Speak Out Against Looming Closures in Gulf

Gulf Coast governors warn against recreational catch shares; Gov. Charlie Crist speaks out against looming Atlantic red snapper closure.

Political allies joined recreational anglers in the fight against catch share regulations and looming fishery closures, as four Gulf Coast governors signed a letter directed at Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke concerned about “the direction and rapidity in which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is moving to implement catch shares programs for fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico.”

The four governors include

Governor Rick Perry, of Texas;
Governor Bobby Jindal, of Louisiana;
Governor Haley Barbour, of Mississippi; and
Governor Bob Riley, of Alabama.

In the letter, the governors’ sentiments are obvious.

They quickly recognize the economic importance of recreational fishing—
to the tune of $24 billion in the Gulf States—and they want assurance that NOAA will not extend catch share policies to the recreational fishing sector.

“We have already seen negative impacts from the Gulf red snapper catch share system and are concerned about negative impact from the pending program for Gulf grouper. Creating an exclusive harvesting right for a small group of commercial fishermen inherently marginalizes other users [recreational anglers] who do not have the same access privileges."

“Access and opportunity are the lifeblood of recreational fishing. Catch shares limit accessibility for those who do not have an opportunity to participate. While this does not create a problem when the resource is targeted exclusively by one segment, such as commercial fishers, it squeezes out other users when applied to a mixed-use fishery. We would like to be able to give assurances to our constituents that NOAA will not attempt to extend catch shares policies to the recreational fishing sector.”

The full letter is on Floridasportsman.com

URGENT - Your Fishing Life Depends on You Taking Action TODAY

2009-10-16T11:32:00.000-04:00

The Task Force is developing a national policy and implementing a strategy for conserving and managing the United States ocean territory and the Great Lakes.

The policy will govern ocean and Great Lakes resource management and coordinate efforts among countless federal, state and local agencies.

Without recreational angler input, decisions made under this new policy could be used to unnecessarily close saltwater and freshwater recreational fishing areas.

Below is a link that will take you to an ASA site where you can automatically contact your state Representative to voice your concern over this action if you desire.

The deadline for you

to voice your opinion is 5:00 pm Eastern today.

Link to Letter: Send a letter

http://capwiz.com/keepamericafishing/issues/alert/?alertid=14119696

Obama Administration Ignores $125 Billion Sportfishing Industry

2009-10-15T06:40:00.000-04:00

I just received this press release from ASA.

You should read this!!

For Immediate Release
Mary Jane Williamson, Communications director
mjwilliamson@asafishing.org, 703-519-9691, x227
www.asafishing.org

Obama Administration Ignores $125 Billion Sportfishing Industry in New Ocean and Great Lakes Management Policy

October 5, 2009 - Alexandria, Va. – A sweeping oceans and Great Lakes management policy document proposed by the Obama Administration will have a significant impact on the sportfishing industry, America’s saltwater anglers and the nation’s coastal communities. The draft policy, the Interim Report of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, issued on September 17, will govern federal Pacific and Atlantic Ocean waters and Great Lakes resource conservation and management and will coordinate these efforts among federal, state and local agencies. This past June, President Obama created the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, led by the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), to develop a draft national policy and implementation strategy for conserving and managing the United States ocean territory and the Great Lakes.

“While we are by and large supportive of the intent of the Interim Report, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) has serious concerns regarding the direction the administration is taking regarding how to manage our nation’s marine and freshwater public resources, choosing a tone of preservation over conservation,” said ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson. “We are very disappointed that the task force failed to recognize recreational fishing’s significant conservation, economic and social contributions and include recreational fishing as a key policy component. The sportfishing community strongly supports healthy and abundant ocean, coastal and fishery resources which have a direct impact on sustaining vibrant local coastal communities. Outdoor recreation, especially recreational fishing, is an integral part of coastal economies throughout this nation and therefore should be included as a priority in any national ocean policy.”

“In regards to recreational fishing specifically, it is a long-standing policy of the federal government to allow public access to public lands and waters for recreational purposes consistent with sound conservation including the nation’s wildlife refuges, national forests, and national parks and should be reflected in a national policy for the oceans and Great Lakes. In fact, the use of public resources by recreational anglers is essential to the conservation model used in this country for fish and wildlife management,” said ASA Ocean Resource Policy Director Patty Doerr.

Doerr further said, “As with any good federal policy decision, discussions about measures that may restrict public access to public resources must involve an open public process, have a solid scientific basis and incorporate specific guidelines on implementation and follow-up. We are very concerned about the abbreviated 90 day timeline which forced the Task Force to issue this policy document prematurely. The implications of such a policy are vast and nationwide. Therefore, the review process should be very deliberate and go well beyond the 30 days public review and comment period which started on September 17.” The Task Force's Interim Report is currently under a 30-day public review and comment period.

Since 1950, with the passage of the Sport Fish Restoration Act, anglers and the sportfishing industry have provided the bulk of funding for fisheries conservation and management in the United States through fishing license fees and the federal manufacturers excise tax on recreational fishing equipment. According to NOAA Fisheries, saltwater anglers contribute over $82 billion annually to the economy. Despite taking only three percent of the saltwater fish harvested each year, the recreational sector creates nearly half the jobs coming from domestic saltwater fisheries.

Robertson concluded, “The sportfishing community believes that recreational activities such as responsibly-managed and regulated recreational fishing deserve full consideration and incorporation in the administration’s ocean and Great Lakes policy. Providing the angling public with access to public resources is no less important than conserving those resources. Therefore, we urge the Task Force to include recreational fishing as a separate and distinct ocean and Great Lakes priority. We also urge all anglers and recreational fishing supports to make their voices heard.”

In July, ASA staff met with White House staff to provide comments to CEQ and the Task Force. In August, ASA staff met with Department of Interior staff to discuss their involvement in the Task Force and provide ASA’s perspective on various ocean policy issues, including marine spatial planning and marine reserves.

###

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry’s trade association, committed to looking out for the interests of the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry a unified voice speaking out when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. We invest in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic and conservation values of sportfishing in America. ASA also represents the interests of America’s 60 million anglers who generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for over one million people.

Fair Fish: Protecting our oceans and giving fish and fishermen a fair chance ? Food & Water Watch

2009-10-13T19:32:00.003-04:00

I just got a reply to one of my blog posts about ITQ's, Catch shares, LAP's, and whatever other mumbo jumbo they call them.

You need to visit this site - it is absolutely fantastic.

Fair Fish: Protecting our oceans and giving fish and fishermen a fair chance
?
Food & Water Watch

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Every Single Fisherman Better Be At This Meeting!

2009-10-13T16:24:00.000-04:00

I just received this posting via an email - I cannot Stress Enough The Importance of Attending this:

What:

Next in a public discussion series hosted by:

New Hampshire Sea Grant &

Northeast Consortium

When:
A public workshop on:
Social and Economic Performance Measures and
Research Objectives for Catch Share Programs
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
6:30 – 8:30 pm

Where:
Urban Forestry Center
45 Elwyn Road, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Lead by Patricia Pinto da Silva and Andrew Kitts
Social Science Branch, Northeast Fisheries Science Center
National Marine Fisheries Service

NOAA Fisheries has made a commitment to increasing the number of fisheries managed under catch share systems. A variety of new catch share management programs are being considered for and implemented in a number of fisheries in the Northeast Region and elsewhere in the United States. Most prominently, Amendment 16 of the Northeast Multispecies Fisheries Management Plan has approved operations for 19 group quota (Sector) allocations beginning in fishing year 2010.

Given the significance of this management paradigm shift, and its potential implications for social, cultural and economic systems associated with regional fisheries, the Social Science Branch of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center is engaging in a process to define a Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan and associated research agenda. The purpose of the evaluation plan is to provide information to fisheries managers and fisheries participants relevant to the design of future catch share programs and modifications to existing programs. Elements of the draft plan will be presented and feedback solicited.

For more information contact:
Rachel Feeney, Northeast Consortium
603-862-2276, rachel.feeney@unh.edu

48lb Striped Bass Carcass

2009-10-13T07:35:00.003-04:00

The fall run for Stripers is on!
Nice size fish here and there, and plenty of smaller ones to go around.

Want to learn where it was caught?
Go to Catch Huge Stripers

Want to work on a boat and learn how to be a master at catching them?
Click Here and find out how!

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

2009-10-08T14:21:00.003-04:00

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?
If so, Click Here and find out how!

This Shortchanges All Anglers

2009-10-02T05:36:00.000-04:00

The lack of licenses for saltwater fishing shortchanges ALL anglers - it is a public resource with enforcement costs that is funded by public dollars - no part of the cost of enforcement paid for by the user group.

If you hunt, you pay for a license-

If you fresh water fish, you pay for a license-

If you are in the medical field you pay for a license -

If you fly a plane, you pay for a license -

Need I continue??

get the point?

Cheap license shortchanges New York anglers

New York’s recent adoption of a saltwater fishing license has long been awaited by CCA NY and other responsible anglers who believe that, just like other sportsmen, saltwater fishermen have a moral obligation to help support the management of the species that they target. However, we were concerned to learn that the license adopted would cost a mere $10, an amount that would minimize its contribution to DEC coffers (although an increased level of expected Wallop-Breaux funding remains a plus.)

The current economic crunch, resulting in a loss of state tax revenues and a cut in spending for all state departments, had a big impact on the Department of Environmental Conservation, and in particular the Marine Bureau. The State Legislature now expects the Bureau to rely on license revenues for a significant part of its funding, despite a license that will cost barely more than half of what was originally contemplated.

In the end, it will be the resource and the anglers who enjoy it who will suffer from the shortsightedness of license opponents, and the willingness of legislators to give in to the questionable arguments of the sportfishing industry, which somehow convinced them that an additional $9 in the annual license fee would dissuade anglers from buying the graphite rods, braided lines and high-tech reels that have become the common tools of anglers fishing in state waters.

CCA NY will work to convince the legislature that, without a fully funded Marine Bureau, neither anglers nor the angling industry will be able to enjoy the full potential of New York’s marine resources.

Policemen warned Iagain/i about domestic 'terrorists'

2009-09-27T04:52:00.001-04:00

Policemen warned Iagain/i about domestic 'terrorists'

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600,000 'pink slips' on their way to Capitol already

2009-09-27T04:42:00.001-04:00

600,000 'pink slips' on their way to Capitol already

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Wake Up Call To ALL Real Estate Practitioners

2009-09-24T17:36:00.000-04:00

THIS IS A WAKE UP CALL
I am told This Bill Has Passed The House ..... is it true??

----- Original Message -----

Sent: Monday, September 21, 2009 8:19 PM

Subject: Fw: So. You want to sell your home??? Think again? The government has BIG new plans that you must to meet!

Surely all of our Congressmen have read this bill...even Waxman hasn't read it.....he admitted it!!!!! What else can they do to stymie EVERYTHING, where they can CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL???

Thinking about selling your house - Take a look at H.R. 2454 (Cap and trade bill)

Then, PLEASE, tell me it is not so!!!

This is a must read for all of us. The knife has been stuck
in our back and will be twisted and pushed deeper each
year.

Just read all info below to get ready, and know what is coming down.
Is this our wonderful government is looking out for all of us?

Please pass to all you can. This is unbelievable!! Only the beginning.....

Wow! home owners take note & tell your friends and relatives who are home
owners!!! Beginning 1 year after enactment of the Act, you won't be able to
sell your home unless you retrofit it to comply with the energy and water
efficiency standards of this Act.

H.R. 2454, the "Cap & Trade" bill passed by the House of Representatives,
if also passed by the Senate, will be the largest tax increase any of us has
ever experienced. The Congressional Budget Office (supposedly non-partisan)
estimates that in just a few years the average cost to every family of four
will be $6,800 per year. No one is excluded. However, once the lower classes
feel the pinch in their wallets, you can be sure these voters get a tax
refund (even if they pay no taxes at all) to offset this new cost.

Thus, you Mr. and Mrs. Middle Class America will have to pay even more since
additional tax dollars will be needed to bail out everyone else.

But wait. This awful bill (that no one in Congress has actually read) has
many more surprises in it, and probably the worst one is:
A year from now you won't be able to sell your house.

Yes, you read that right. The caveat is (there always is a caveat) that if
you have enough money to make required major upgrades to your home, then you
can sell it. But, if not, then forget it. Even pre-fabri cated homes
("mobile homes") are included.

In effect, this bill prevents you from selling your home without the
permission of the EPA administrator.
To get this permission, you will have to have the energy efficiency of your
home measured. Then the government will tell you what your new energy
efficiency requirement is and you will be forced to make modifications to
your home under the retrofit provisions of this Act to comply with the new
energy and water efficiency requirements. Then you will have to get your
home measured again and get a license (called a "label" in the Act) that
must be posted on your property to show what your efficiency rating is; sort
of like the Energy Star efficiency rating label on your refrigerator or air
conditioner. If you don't get a high enough rating, you can't sell. And, the
EPA administrator is authorized to raise the standards every year, even
above the automatic energy efficiency increases built into the Act.

The EPA administrator, appointed by the President, will run the Cap & Trade
program (AKA the "American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009") and is
authorized to make any future changes to the regulations and standards he
alone determines to be in the government's best interest. Requirements are
set low initiall y so the bill will pass Congress; then the Administrator
can set much tougher new standards every year. The Act itself contains
annual required increases in energy efficiency for private and commercial
residences and buildings. However, the EPA administrator can set higher
standards at any time.

Sect. 202 Building Retrofit Program mandates a national retrofit program to
increase the energy efficiency of all existing homes across America .

Beginning 1 year after enactment of the Act, you won't be able to sell your
home unless you retrofit it to comply with the energy and water efficiency
standards of this Act. You had better sell soon, because the standards will
be raised each year and will be really hard (i.e., ex$pen$ive) to meet in a
few years. Oh, goody! The Act allows the government to give you a grant of
several thousand dollars to comply with the retrofit program requirements if
you meet certain energy efficiency levels. But, wait, the State can set
additional requirements on who qualifies to receive the grants. You should
expect requirements such as "can't have an income of more than $50K per
year", "home selling price can't be more than $125K", or anything else to
target the upper middle class (and that's YOU) and prevent them from
qualifying for the grants. Most of us won't get a dime and will have to pay
the entire cost of the retrofit out of our own pockets. More transfer of
wealth, more "change you can believe in."

Sect. 204 Building Energy Performance Labeling Program establishes a
labeling program that for each individual residence will identify the
achieved energy efficiency performance for "at least 90 percent of the
residential market within 5 years after the date of the enactment of this
Act." This means that within 5 years 90% of all residential homes in the
U.S. must be measured and labeled. The EPA administrator will get $50M each
year to enforce the labeling program. The Secretary of the Department of
Energy will get an additional $20M each year to help enforce the labeling
program. Some of this money will, of course, be spent on coming up with
tougher standards each year. Oh, the label will be like a license for your
car. You will be required to post the label in a conspicuous location in
your home and will not be allowed to sell your home without having this
label. And, just l ike your car license, you will probably be required to
get a new label every so often - maybe every year. But, the government
estimates the cost of measuring the energy efficiency of your home should
only cost about $200 each time. Remember what they said about the auto smog
inspections when they first started: that in California it would only cost
$15. That was when the program started. Now the cost is about $50 for the
inspection and certificate; a 333% increase. Expect the same from the home
labeling program.

Sect. 304 Greater Energy Efficiency in Building Codes establishes new energy
efficiency guidelines for the National Building Code and mandates at 304(d)
that 1 year after enactment of this Act, all state and local jurisdictions
must adopt the National Building Code energy efficiency provisions or must
obtain a certification from the federal government that their state and/or
local codes have been brought into full compliance with the National
Building Code energy efficiency standards.

Sack Lunches - Good Read

2009-09-23T20:01:00.000-04:00

Someone sent me this in an e-mail. Instead for forwarding it to all my friends, I decided to copy/paste it to my blog.
Read This! Warning ..... you will need tissues.

The Sack Lunches

I put my carry-on in the luggage
compartment and sat down in my
assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a
good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of
soldiers came down the aisle and
filled all the vacant seats, totally
surrounding me. I decided to
start a conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated
nearest to me.

'Petawawa. We'll be there for two
weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan.

After flying for about an hour, an
announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars.
It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly
decided a lunch would help pass the time..

As I reached for my wallet, I
overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch.
'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably
wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base.'

His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other
soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and
handed the flight attendant a
fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my
arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My
son was a
soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers
were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best -
beef or chicken?'

'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to
the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from
first class. 'This is your thanks..'

After we finished eating, I went
again to the back of the plane,
heading for the rest room.
A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it.
Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down
the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not
looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my
side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out
his hand, and said, 'I want to shake your hand.'

Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I
stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was
a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch.
It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when
applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the
plane so I could stretch my legs.
A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand,
wanting to shake mine He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed I gathered my
belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane
door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned,
and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip
to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars.
'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for
a sandwich.
God Bless You.'

Ten young men left that flight
feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked
briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return.
These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only
give them a couple of meals.

It seemed so little...

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check
made payable to 'The United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to
and including my life.'

That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no
longer understand it.'

May God give you the strength and courage to pass this along to
everyone on your email buddy list....

I JUST DID

The 9/12 Project: The Story The Media Refused To Tell- in HD

2009-09-20T20:04:00.001-04:00

Watching this made me cry like a little kid - God I love America and Americans!!

9/12 Taxpayer Tea Party March on Washington, DC

2009-09-20T20:03:00.001-04:00

I love Americans!!

I Agree with Obama?? Maybe for the first time!

2009-09-18T06:11:00.001-04:00

WOW - for the first time I think I agree with Obama!

Read this article below - I have made my comments along the way where I believe it really matters for those
of us who make a living on the water.

Obama task force calls for National Ocean Council

The Obama administration on Thursday released the first glimpse of a plan to strengthen the way the nation
manages the oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes.

President Barack Obama's Ocean Policy Task Force - comprised of 24 officials from the U.S. Department of
Interior to the U.S. Navy - recommended creating a new National Ocean Council with power to coordinate and hold accountable myriad federal agencies in conservation and marine planning efforts.

"Right now (ocean policy) is done on a piecemeal basis, one agency regulating fisheries, one shipping, one
water quality, another national security and there's no real mechanized thinking on how sectors interact
with each other," said Jane Lubchenco, administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and a task force member.

"Today is a historic day. For the first time, we as a nation say loudly and clearly that healthy oceans
matter," she said.

The president created the task force to coordinate federal response to pollution from industrial and
commercial activities, rising sea levels and ocean acidification, among other problems.

The new National Ocean Council would replace the Committee on Ocean Policy, instituted by President George W. Bush in 2004, which the task force called "moderately effective." (Re-writing of the Magnusun-Stevens Act?)?

"(The report) delivers on President Obama's request for recommendations that will move this country towards
a more robust national policy for our oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes," said Nancy Sutley, chair of the
White House Council on Environmental Quality.

Beyond creating the new ocean council, the task force identified a number of priorities for improving the
health of the seas and Great Lakes. Among them is to improve the ability of coastal communities and the
Arctic to deal with the effects of climate change, especially rising sea levels and higher ocean acidification due to increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
(Higher acidification? I think this means a carbon tax for all boats)

The council would help coastal communities - whether it be a struggling fishing industry in Northern
California or a hurricane-damaged area on the Gulf Coast - through better coordination and strategic
planning.
(Maybe they will look at the economic statistics of fishing communities and take a more liberal (I can't believe I am using that word) approach to fisheries management).

The report also recommends that the federal government view all ocean policy with a "ecosystem-based
approach," meaning decisions would be made with an emphasis on understanding how all life would be affected in a given area. Officials said this would be a key philosophical shift in the nation's approach.
(Ditto the previous comment)

The report is short on details about how and when these goals would be achieved, but environmental groups
applauded the White House's efforts, calling it is an important first step in achieving badly needed reform.

(There is no better time than NOW to get involved with the environmental groups and "Work with them"
instead of "Against them" - the only way to get changes done in a manner which will help us instead of
hinder us).

"It's the first time that an administration has identified a series of laudable goals for managing the
nation's marine environment," said Joshua Reichert, managing director of the Pew Environment Group.
"Runoff of fertilizer is really an issue for the Department of Agriculture, transportation runoff from
highways and roads is the Department of Transportation ... municipal discharges from sewer systems is the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. So when you're proposing trying to manage an area of the ocean, you're trying to take into account all of these variables in a very complicated process," Reichert said.

(Runoff and fertilizer is the MAJOR CAUSE of the problem with the fisheries as a whole! I have been saying
that all along! The road runoff and fertilizers that run into the estuaries during the spring rains kills
millions of fish larvae, create the algae blooms that choke off oxygen in the water that ends up killing
millions more small fish that survived the fertilizer kill! I firmly believe this is the real cause of the
fishery problem and if this is addressed, the fisheries will come back like nothing we have ever seen).

Now may the time to think about getting involved in the fishing business! Either full or part time. If you
are interested in learning how to get basic information about the industry, go to Salt Water Fishing Jobs
and learn more.

Why the Big 3 Auto Dealers and Average Fishermen Fail - WHAT?

2009-09-15T19:33:00.001-04:00

An average guys observation and opinion on why he big 3 auto makers are failing and losing market share to imports.

They are missing basic Marketing 101 – let me explain.

I'm in the Dodge dealers place today with my girlfriend who is getting an issue with her car looked at.

They want to keep the car, and we need to rent one (so much for loaners). They tell us they will get us a “special deal” with a rental agency. Great we say ...

Well ... let me tell you about the “deal.”

The deal is, for $25 a day they let us rent a piece of crap basic PT Cruiser.

What a horrible piece of junk to offer someone who owns one of the vehicles you build!

Do you have any idea what we felt like getting this basic thing to ride around in?

Do you have any idea what kind of impression we had while driving off the lot?

Do you think for a minute we would consider buying something much less than what she drives now?

Heck – our immediate thought was .... is this how they are going to treat us?

The next time I buy a car I don't think it'll be a Chrysler product!

Let me tell you a little story .....
A few years ago I had a Toyota ..... guess what ... they gave me a very nice “tricked-out” Avalon as a loaner for FREE when I had a service issue. Stuck on the dashboard of the FREE loaner was an invitation to BUY the car!

Guess what ...

I didn't buy that one because of the color ... but I did buy a “tricked-out” Toyota Avalon that day for my wife at the time.

No wonder why Toyota sells more cars than the other guys – they know marketing!

Now for my Marketing 101 thought .....
Let the person who is getting a vehicle looked at drive a NICER car to drive than what they already own and then try to sell them one!

Just Like I Did! So simple I could just scream!

Now .. .take this to the fishing business, or any other business you have dealing with clients. (Never have a customer – Always call them a client)

Suppose you have an unhappy client .... don't give them a Spiff
(special something or other) for another trip of lesser value.
Give them a Spiff on a trip of equal or greater value!

Lets take, for example a full day Fluke fishing trip.
The fishing is horrible and you want to give them a $5 discount
on another trip to get them back again.
Don't give them a $5 discount on a ½ day trip.

At the Minimum give them a $5 discount on another full day Fluke trip, or better yet, give them a $10 discount on a $85 night bass trip!

Give them more than they ask for,
WOW them, and get them an incentive to
come on a more expensive and profitable trip!

If you stop and consider the actual cost of obtaining a new client, and the cost of obtaining that client on the more expensive trip, it's cheaper to WOW an existing client and keep them!

Remember ... a happy client tells 3 or 4 others. An unhappy client tells everyone!

Fisheries News Release for Striped Bass

2009-09-15T10:35:00.000-04:00

I just received this press release from the Fisheries Council .... You should read this

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, SEPTEMBER 11, 2009
PRESS CONTACT, TINA BERGER, 202/289-6400

States Schedule Public Hearings on Striped Bass Draft Addendum II

Washington, DC – Atlantic coast states from Maine through North Carolina have scheduled their hearings to gather public comment on Draft Addendum II to Amendment 6 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass. The dates, times, and locations of the scheduled meetings follow. Please note that some states will also be conducting hearings on other ASMFC proposed species management actions.

North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries
October 14, 2009; 6:00 PM
Roanoke Island Festival Park
1 Festival Park
Manteo, North Carolina
Contact: Michelle Duval at (252) 808-8011
* Public comment will also be gathered on Weakfish Draft Addendum IV (7:00 PM)

Maine Department of Marine Resources
October 5, 2009; 6:00 PM
Freeport Community Library
10 Library Drive
Freeport, Maine
Contact: Terry Stockwell at (207) 624-6553
* Public comment will also be gathered on Shad Draft Amendment 3 and Menhaden Draft Addendum IV

New Hampshire Fish and Game
October 8, 2009; 7:00 PM
Urban Forestry Center
45 Elwyn Road
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Contact: Doug Grout at (603) 868-1095
* Public comment will also be gathered on Lobster Draft Addendum XV (6:30 PM) and Shad Draft Amendment 3 (7:30 PM)

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
September 30, 2009; 7:00 PM
Annisquam River Marine Fisheries Station
30 Emerson Avenue
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Contact: Melanie Griffin at (617) 626-1528
* Public comment will also be gathered on Shad Draft Amendment 3

Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife
October 1, 2009; 6:00 PM
URI, Narragansett Bay Campus, Corless Auditorium
215 South Ferry Road
Narragansett, Rhode Island
Contact: Jason McNamee at (401) 423-1943
* Public comment will also be gathered on Shad Draft Amendment 3 and Scup and Black Sea Bass Draft Addendum XX

Connecticut Dept. of Environmental Protection
October 6, 2009; 7:00 PM
Marine Headquarters (Boating Education Center)
333 Ferry Road
Old Lyme, Connecticut
Contact: David Simpson at (860) 434-6043
* Public comment will also be gathered on Shad Draft Amendment 3 and Scup and Black Sea Bass Draft Addendum XX

New York Dept. of Environmental Conservation

September 24, 2009; 7:00 PM
Marine Resources Headquarters
205 North Belle Mead Road, Suite 1
East Setauket, New York
Contact: Steve Heins at (631) 444-0435
* Public comment will also be gathered on Scup and Black Sea Bass Draft Addendum XX

New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
October 6, 2009; 7:00 PM
Toms River Township Clerk's Office
L. Manuel Hirshblond Room
33 Washington Street
Toms River, New Jersey
Contact: Tom McCloy at (609) 292-7794
* Public comment will also be gathered on Weakfish Draft Addendum IV (8:00 PM)

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
September 29, 2009; 7:00 PM
Tyler State Park
101 Swamp Road
New Town, Pennsylvania
Contact: Leroy Young at (814) 359-5177

* Public comment will also be gathered on Shad Draft Amendment 3

Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
October 7, 2009; 6:00 PM
Richardson and Robbins Building Auditorium
89 Kings Highway
Dover, Delaware
Contact: Craig Shirey at (302) 739-9914
* Public comment will also be gathered on Weakfish Draft Addendum IV (6:30 PM) and Shad Draft Amendment 3 (7:30 PM)

Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources
October 6, 2009; 5:30 PM
Tawes State Office Building, C1 Conference Room
580 Taylor Avenue
Annapolis, Maryland
Contact: Harry Hornick at (410) 260-8305
* Public comment will also be gathered on Shad Draft Amendment 3 and Menhaden Draft Addendum IV

Virginia Marine Resources Commission
September 28, 2009; 6:00 PM
2600 Washington Avenue, 4th Floor
Newport News, Virginia
Contact: Jack Travelstead at (757) 247-2247
* Public comment will also be gathered on Shad Draft Amendment 3 and Scup and Black Sea Bass Draft Addendum XX

Draft Addendum II proposes to allow unused coastal commercial quota of striped bass to be rolled over from one year to the next. Options include state eligibility and the amount of unused quota that may be carried over. The Draft Addendum also outlines procedures for implementing and monitoring quota roll over.

The existing management program addresses coastal commercial quota overages, requiring payback of an overage in the subsequent year, yet it is silent on coastal commercial quota underages. While avoiding a quota overage signifies managerial success, a quota underage represents lost opportunity to commercial harvesters. Quota underages may result from changes in fish abundance or distribution, environmental factors, fishing effort, and regulatory measures.

The Draft Addendum presents a hypothetical situation to analyze the potential effect of allowing roll over. Had all unused coastal commercial quota in 2003 through 2007 been rolled over and then harvested in 2004 through 2008, the average increase in the total coastal commercial quota would have been less than 15 percent and the average increase in the total coastwide harvest less than two percent. An analysis by the Technical Committee indicated that a 15 percent increase in the coastal commercial quotas would have a limited effect on the fishing mortality rate, and that large fluctuations in recreational harvest, which is not regulated by quota, present a greater level of risk of exceeding the fishing mortality target or threshold. However, the Technical Committee also noted that the potential effect of roll over on the stock increases if quota underages occur due to population decline. Other concerns included the two to three year lag in reporting the fishing mortality rate estimate for any given year and that allowing roll over could provide an incentive to under report harvest.

Fishermen and other interested groups are encouraged to provide input on Draft Addendum II, either by attending public hearings or providing written comments. Copies of Draft Addendum II are available via the Commission's website at www.asmfc.org under Breaking News. Public comment will be accepted until 5:00 PM (EST) on October 16, 2009 and should be forwarded to Nichola Meserve, FMP Coordinator, 1444 'Eye' Street, NW, Sixth Floor, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 289-6051 (FAX) or at nmeserve@asmfc.org (Subject line: Striped Bass Draft Addendum II).

###

The Importance of Becoming a Special Interest Group

2009-09-13T18:13:00.004-04:00

I was watching Fox News a while back and Judge Napalitano (I think I spelled that right).

They were talking about Special Interest groups,
and how changes are made in Washington. the judge said something
that made me literally run and grab a piece of paper and write it down.
To the best of my knowledge, I got it "word for word"
so here it is:

"Special interest groups have the memberships, members, and votes Politicians believe they need to get re-elected.

Politicians are not interested in small business or individuals .... they are only interested in Special Interest Groups that have the memberships, members, and votes they believe they will need to get re-elected."

That being the case, and I believe it is, how in the world do you think fishermen can possibly think they can make changes in fishing regulations by themselves?

The only way to make a change in regulations is to become a special interest group, or JOIN one that has somewhat of a similar interest and get the "Special Interest Group" to voice the opinion and get the attention of the politicians.

Complaints from fishermen about Regulations

2009-09-12T18:56:00.004-04:00

I am so sick and tired of listening to local fishermen

complaining about the fisheries regulations that I'm about to PUKE!

Complaining on the radio like a bunch of wash women and not attending any meetings is about as ridiculous a thing imaginable.

Yeech ... if you want to complain, first I believe you should "earn the right" to complain and ATTEND the meetings!

Then, if they DO attend, all they do is yell like a bunch of idiots, telling the regulators they are a bunch of dummies .....

Tell me ... what would you do if you had to sit in a council meeting, be called all sorts of names and insulted, and then be expected to help the same people that tried to make a fool of you?

The fisheries are coming back because of the regulations ...

sure some of them may not be perfect, but hey .. they are getting something right!

Then, some of the complainers say the fishery is better than it has ever been

..... that just tells me they are a bunch of beginners!

The fishing in the North East is no where close to what it was in the 60's or 70's.

If you want to make a change,

"You Need To Be Part Of The Solution .. NOT Part Of The Problem!"

If fishermen were part of the solution from the beginning, we would not be in this mess ... the fisheries would be back, regulations would be acceptable, and all would be happy.

Just look at the Alaska fishermen .. they recognized the need for regulation right from the very start and have been part of the solution right from the beginning!

2009-09-04T21:26:00.000-04:00

I took my girl Troy fishing out of Montauk -

Liberals Just Want Conservatives To Shut Up

2009-08-30T20:00:00.001-04:00

Liberals Just Want Conservatives To Shut Up

Shared via AddThis

Deck Tech Training

2009-08-25T06:19:00.005-04:00

I am working on creating a training class for those who want to fish for a living.

Everywhere you hear "you just can't find good help any more," and we were having the same issues.

I started a training program for our new deck-hands and it is working out fabulously.

The compliments we get are nothing short of amazing, and the tips they are making are astonishing.

Stay tuned for more information. If you want to work on a boat, or know someone who does, this class will be an absolute must.

Some of the things we will be teaching:

Basic Seamanship
How to deal with tackle
How to tie knots
How to fillet fish like a pro
Secrets to getting customers to dig in their wallet and tip like crazy
People handling skills
The are of controlling and taking out tangles
The single biggest secret to catching more fish - period.
And Much - Much more

Fishing Schedule For This Summer

2009-06-28T21:30:00.002-04:00

This summer I will be fishing on the partyboat Black Hawk II out of Niantic, CT.

The owner Capt. Greg Dubrule is a good friend of mine. We started our fishing careers about the same time.

Visit www.blackhawksportfishing.com for more info on the boat and crew.

I will be posting fishing reports, tips, tricks, and other sportfishing info through-out the summer.

Fishing and Job Creation

2009-01-08T14:26:00.004-05:00

Interesting info published by NOAA -

New Economic Report Finds Commercial and Recreational Fishing Generated More Than Two Million Jobs

U.S. commercial and recreational fishing generated more than $185 billion in sales and supported more than two million jobs in 2006, according to a new economic report released by NOAA’s Fisheries Service.

The commercial fishing industry — harvesters, seafood processors and dealers, seafood wholesalers and seafood retailers — generated $103 billion in sales, $44 billion in income and supported 1.5 million jobs in 2006, the most recent year included in the report, Fisheries Economics of the United States 2006, which covers 1997 to 2006. Recreational fishing generated $82 billion in sales, $24 billion in income, and supported 534,000 jobs in 2006.

“The report documents clearly that managing fisheries sustainably is good for the environment and the economy,” said Jim Balsiger, NOAA acting assistant administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “Fishing helps create a substantial number of jobs around the nation.”

The report also breaks down the sales, income and job figures for each coastal state.

The highest amount of sales generated by the commercial fishing industry were:

California ($9.8 billion)
Florida ($5.2 billion)
Massachusetts ($4.4 billion)
Washington ($3.8 billion)
Alaska ($3 billion)

The most jobs were generated:

California (179,000)
Florida (103,000)
Massachusetts (83,000)
Washington (75,000)
Texas (47,000)

Recreational fishing generated its highest economic effect in total sales and jobs
Florida ($7.6 billion sales, 131,000 jobs)
Texas ($2.2 billion sales, 34,000 jobs)
California ($1.9 billion sales, 23,000 jobs)
North Carolina ($1.2 billion sales, 24,000 jobs)
Louisiana ($1.2 billion sales, 27,000 jobs)

Fisheries Economics of the United States 2006 also includes descriptive statistics on commercial fish landings, revenue, and price trends; recreational fishing effort, catch, and participation rates; and employer and non-employer establishments, annual payroll, and annual receipt information for fishing-related industries such as seafood retailers and ship and boat building.

The report is the first volume in a new series designed to give the public accessible economic information on fishing activities in the U.S., and is a companion to Fisheries of the United States, and the forthcoming Fishing Communities of the United States.

The report also provides a snapshot of fishery management plans, limited access privilege fishing programs (a type of catch share program), buyback programs, and ecolabeling programs, as well as the status of fish stocks and an inventory of protected marine resources.
Fisheries Economics of the United States, 2006 is available online.

Thank you for the report NOAA

Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act of 2006

2008-12-25T15:03:00.003-05:00

The Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act of 2006 broken down into a single, easy to understand paragraph.

Annual Catch Limits:
The Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act of 2006 established new requirements to end and prevent overfishing through the use of:

Annual catch limits (ACLs) and
Accountability measures (AMs).

Federal fishery management plans must establish mechanisms for ACLs and AMs by:

2010 for stocks subject to overfishing and
2011 for all others.

The Act also specified additional requirements for the role of scientific advice in this process, specifically through the Councils' Scientific and Statistical Committees (SSCs).

There you have it ...... no matter what you think about regulations, they are here to stay.

The only way to remain in business is to "become part of the solution - not the problem."

Workgroup for Fisheries

2008-12-08T14:32:00.003-05:00

Below is copy of the Workgroup recommendations from the King Mackerel Fishery.

It was widly accepted by the Council after a few questions for clarification.

In my opinion, all fisheries must push for and work toward this type of Workgroup.

Get all user groups in a room, work out the particulars amongst us, and move forward from there -

We Must Become Part of The Solution ... Instead of Part of The Problem

A Vision for the King Mackerel Fishery

FINAL REPORT OF THE KING MACKEREL FISHERY STAKEHOLDER WORKGROUP
Submitted to the ______ Council

Date:

A workgroup of stake holders developed a common vision of what an ideal fishery would look like, and then evaluated the efficacy of a series of options suggested by workgroup members to achieve their goals for the fishery. The efficacy of options was evaluated through a formal decision analysis in which expected options from each option was evaluated and compared to stakeholders’ goal for the fishery.

Based on this process, the workgroup developed 17 consensus recommendations that seek to improve long-term sustainability and quality of Atlantic King Mackerel Fisheries. IT should be emphasized that members of the workgroup voted as individuals: their votes should NOT be taken as construing endorsement by the agencies and organizations of which they are members. The workgroups made 3 specific recommendations for the recreational fishery that seek to avoid the Atlantic King Mackerel Fishery from becoming overfished, or experiencing overfishing, while maintaining year round recreational fishery: These recommendations are:

8 million lb annual catch and 2 fish per day per angler bag limit for the recreational fishery for all states.

8 million lb TAC, 2 fish per angler daily bag limit all states and a 28” size limit for the recreational fishery

8 million lb TAC, 2 fish per angler daily bag limit all states and a 32” size limit for the recreational fishery.
To improve our ability to manage the species in the future, the workgroup also recommended 4 management principals be adopted:

1. The Atlantic and gulf councils should consider the effects of fishing stocks in Mexican waters in their future stock assessments.

2. The council should consider the Gulf of Mexico King Mackerel stock as well and the Atlantic stocks before any adjustments are made to the stock quota. Mixing zone allocation should be informed by a stakeholder process and based on a comprehensive analysis of the underlying biology of the 2 fisheries.

3. Decisions affecting the Atlantic fishery should be considered in conjunction with the Gulf fishery before any changes are made.

4. The council’s stakeholder process should be expanded to include a more direct and interactive stakeholder driven process that seeks to improve input in developing scientifically based management advice and exploring potential consequences of alternative management actions, such as the Fish Smart process, to guide the Councils management decisions.

Return e-mail from SAFMC member

2008-12-08T14:22:00.001-05:00

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

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

2008-12-08T14:18:00.001-05:00

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!

The Truth About the Magnusun Act and What To Do About It 12/04/08

2008-12-05T18:48:00.000-05:00

The Truth About The Magnusun-Stevens Act, What I Learned, and What You Absolutely Need To Know:

The new Magnusun act which was signed by President Bush was not written by him – in fact, it was written by a few Congress-people, endorsed by the Secretary of Commerce, and presented to the President for his signature.

Now here is where it gets interesting, and where we are getting Ripped Off.

It was written by 18 Congress-people.

Here is a list of who they are, what political party they belong to, and MORE IMPORTANTLY, What state they come from.

Take a minute and review it – what you will see should really Tick (you can exchange that word for another) you off …..

BECAUSE 8 OF THEM COME FROM STATES THAT HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO SALT WATER INDUSTRY WHATSOEVER!!!

Bill Sali ......................Idaho-1st, Republican
Madeline Bordallo ...Guam-Delegate, Democrat
Dale Kildee ...............Michigan-5th, Democrat
Ron Kind ...................Wisconsin-3rd, Democrat
Nick Rahall ...............West Virginia-3rd, Democrat
Eni Faleomavaega ...American Samoa-Delegate, Democrat
Tom Cole ..................Oklahoma-4th, Republican
Neil Abercrombie ....Hawaii-1st, Democrat

Above is the 8 Congresss people that have NO water Access, NO Saltwater Industry, NO Saltwater related jobs, or anything else remotley related to salt water fishing. (Hawaii is just too far away to make any sense at all)

Why in the world should they be allowed to participate in making policy about the saltwater fishing industry??

Now for the rest of the list -

Henry Brown ........South Carolina-1st, Republican
Jim Saxton ............New Jersey-3rd, Republican
Wayne Gilchrest ..Maryland-1st, Republican
Cathy Rogers ........Washington-5th, Republican
Robert Wittman ...Virginia-1st, Republican
Don Young ............Alaska-At Large, Republican
Solomon Ortiz ......Texas-27th, Democrat
Frank Pallone .......New Jersey-6th, Democrat
Patrick Kennedy ..Rhode Island-1st, Democrat
Lois Capps .............California-23rd, Democrat

We are Missing a few State Representatives that actually have a Saltwater Fishing Industry which creates jobs within that State –

here is a list of the ones that are missing:
ME, NH, MA, CT, NY, DE, NC, GA, FL

Are you beginning to see there is something wrong here??

Don’t take my word for it, go here http://clerk.house.gov/committee_info/index.html?subcomcode=HII15 and see for yourself!

Getting back to the Magnusun act, it was written by politicians –

Politicians get elected by people who VOTE – if we want to stay in business, we need to contact the politicians.

We need voters to also contact them via letters – lots and lots of letters.

Getting interviews on talk radio, and TV will also help as well.

Go here for a copy of the Magnusun-Stevens Act: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/msa/amended07.pdf

FYI: NMFS director Bill Hogarth is appointed to his position by an elected official. He will most likely be losing his post once the messiah Obama gets in office.

The new Secretary of Commerce will be Bill Richardson of Arizona. (yea – a secretary of commerce from AZ may know a bunch about rattle snakes and lizards and Mexicans, but little about salt water fish)!!!

Congress-people are elected to office.
The Fisheries Council people are appointed to their positions by elected officials.

Their bosses are NOT the fishermen, nor do they hold an elected position. … Their bosses are the people we elect to office.

If we want to remain in business, we need to take our power back by going up against and working with the Fisheries Council people, and also by going around them and get to the proper elected officials.

The politicians are elected to office – we need to make enough noise, and apply enough pressure on them to watch out for us and make changes.

Going to any other people but the ones in charge is nothing more than a waste of time – that goes for state people as well. The political system in every state runs the same way.

For instance, the director of the North Carolina DMF is appointed by the governor of NC.
I am willing to bet the director of the DEC in NY is appointed by the Governor of NY.

You see where I am going here?

Simply going to Fisheries meetings, participating on AP’s, writing letters to council members is a necessary thing to do, but nowhere enough. We need to take it to Washington, as well as the State Capitols.

Furthermore, we cannot do this separately – we need to do this as a group.

Change can only come from those making the laws – not the ones stuck with the job of enforcing them.

The Councils are put in place for the members to “figure out” how to implement the laws with the lease amount of damage …. They cannot change the laws passed down to them.

Please send me an email with your comments .. better yet, post them on this blog.

Also, send this around - help get as many people on this thing as possible. We need as much help as we can get.

I have a lot more ideas, and am doing more homework. More will be posted as I get it together.

I leave this posting with a little something for you to ponder ... "If you continue doing what you have always done, you will continue to get what you have always gotten. If you want something different than what you have, you need to so something you have never done."

What can you do differently today to give you a different tomorrow?

Read the earlier posting ------> click the link to the right ------->

South Atlantic Fisheries Management Meeting 12/1/08

2008-12-05T15:19:00.000-05:00

WOW ...

The SAFMC (South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council) began last Monday in Wilmington, NC.

I just got back from attending - boy were my eyes opened up!

First, I need to preface this report with a little personal history:
I have not been going to Fisheries council meetings for the last 10 or 12 years.
However, when I was going regularly, I was an appointed member of the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission and on the SAFMC (South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council) AP (advisory panel) for Wreckfish.

Back then, no-one was really organized, there was a lot of wasted paperwork and talk, organizational confusion, and we the fishermen were looked down upon as a bunch of ..... (you can fill in the blank).

Furthermore, many of the council members were jealous that the fishermen, as a whole, were a lot less educated than them, and made a lot more money than they did, so there was a lot of jealousy as well.

(Personal things happen in my life and I had to leave the business for a while,
and am just getting back into it. So I had an excuse for not attending.)

Having been away from the process for a while, and going back, I was astonished!!

The council and its members are VERY well organized. Laptop computers replacing paper, and assistants making real time changes to documents and proposals during the meetings.
The council’s efficiency has increased by hundreds of percentage points.

What I found distressing is the fishermen have, (in my opinion) not moved forward one bit.

It was as if I hade entered back into a time warp.

Nothing had changed ..... absolutely no organization, no representation, no spokesperson or watchdogs, or anything else!

.... Heck .... I could count them on one hand!

After all I have heard over the years of complaints that the regulations are putting everyone out of business, that they have no chance, that they are getting regulated out of the industry, etc.
You would think the room would have been packed - the weather was WINDY, so no-one was out fishing.

I was there and I have a broken back!

All the complaining and NO participation was absolutely shocking!

Without the industry having any kind of representation, it looks to me like
the beginnings of a slaughter.

Go to Google and type in livestock slaughter – watch any one or more of the YouTube videos.
In your mind’s eye, change the livestock for a picture of a fisherman.

In fact, click the link below and go here NOW. Watch one or two of the videos before coming back and reading the rest of this.

Here is the link ---> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjaheNptvds

Go ahead …. Go there for a few minutes.

You will see how the livestock is lead down thru a maze of hallways, and the hallways are ever so slightly getting narrower and narrower, leading you down the path so narrow that individual passage is the only way to continue -
.... to the slaughterhouse.

Death is imminent; you just don’t know it yet.

Pretty gruesome picture isn’t it?

Yet, if the livestock (fishermen) understood what was at the end of the isles, and they collectively joined together, they could easily push down the barriers, crush the executioners, and have a passage to freedom.
Pretty gruesome picture isn’t it?

This is the type of picture I was left with in my mind's eye by the end of the first day of meetings. Fishermen going to slaughter.

If fishermen don't "get with it" soon, they will ultimateld be completely wiped out of the fishing industry. The only ones that will be left standing will be the ones who go to the meetings, participate, and become part of the solution.

I found out a lot more about the Magnusun- Stevens act, how it was put together, who put it together, etc. The next post will have a little history about those who put it together and what can be done (in my opinion) about it.

Stay tuned .... more to come.

Sportfishing Manifesto

SavingSeaFood - Feds admit plan means loss of jobs

Congressman sets date for Magnuson caucus - GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA

SavingSeaFood - It's time to stop Magnuson from being a weapon against fishing communities

Response from My Letter to Senator Jack Reed

Frank eyes federal 'caucus' to revise fishing law - GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA

SavingSeaFood - Catch share debate heats up nationally

Frank merits kudos for tackling Magnuson-Stevens - GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA

Suggested Daily Reading

SavingSeaFood - Congressman Frank sets sights on reform of fishing law

LAP’S, ITQ’S, IFQ’S, IQF’S, and any other acronym Should Be Outlawed

SavingSeaFood - OPINION: Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act receiving renewed attention in the Southeast

Barney Frank letter to Jane Lubchenco outlining fisheries concerns

Who to Contact about Fisheries Regulations and How To Do It.

Column: Fishing communities need facts not fear - EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA

How To Get Attention and Get Noticed With Fisheries Managers

Your Comments on This Please

Fishing License Meeting ... Standing Room Only

Amtrac Mess - Niantic Fishermen have a problem

Stuck Amtrak bridge traps boats niantic east lyme | wtnh.com connecticut

Midwater Trawl Allowed - with Observers

State Governors Speak Out Against Looming Closures in Gulf

URGENT - Your Fishing Life Depends on You Taking Action TODAY

Obama Administration Ignores $125 Billion Sportfishing Industry

Fair Fish: Protecting our oceans and giving fish and fishermen a fair chance ? Food & Water Watch

Every Single Fisherman Better Be At This Meeting!

48lb Striped Bass Carcass

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

This Shortchanges All Anglers

Policemen warned Iagain/i about domestic 'terrorists'

600,000 'pink slips' on their way to Capitol already

Wake Up Call To ALL Real Estate Practitioners

Sack Lunches - Good Read

The 9/12 Project: The Story The Media Refused To Tell- in HD

9/12 Taxpayer Tea Party March on Washington, DC

I Agree with Obama?? Maybe for the first time!

Why the Big 3 Auto Dealers and Average Fishermen Fail - WHAT?

Fisheries News Release for Striped Bass

The Importance of Becoming a Special Interest Group

Complaints from fishermen about Regulations

Liberals Just Want Conservatives To Shut Up

Deck Tech Training

Fishing Schedule For This Summer

Fishing and Job Creation

Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act of 2006

Workgroup for Fisheries

Return e-mail from SAFMC member

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

The Truth About the Magnusun Act and What To Do About It 12/04/08

South Atlantic Fisheries Management Meeting 12/1/08