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FYI...I just posted this on the MSBA FB page...edited slightly for this post
MSBA GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ALERT: If you attend MSBA monthly meetings you have heard me warning/preparing our membership to be ready for this very dark day. I am saddened to let you know that today the National Marine Fisheries Service announced an Emergency Action to institute needed protections for what is left of Gulf of Maine Cod. The action will go into effect this Thursday. The action includes multiple measures that significantly effect not only recreational fishing, but the many businesses and jobs that support recreational fishing for cod, haddock, pollock etc. Some of the major details include a zero possession limit of Cod in the Gulf of Maine until at least May 1, 2015. A similarly devastating set of permanent actions expected to begin on May 1, 2015 are still being developed. Other details include massive areas outside of state waters closed to all "gear capable of catching ground fish" which includes all recreational bottom fishing. Due to by-catch and discard mortality related to fishing for both cod and haddock, only a very small haddock limit of either two or three haddock will be allowed outside the closed areas. These areas will change as the months progress however they are located where we fish when we fish for cod, haddock etc. I believe we will be allowed one cod in state waters and I'm not sure about haddock yet. MSBA will publish a more comprehensive review and will also be passing along plenty of information via our FB page in the coming days, weeks and months. It is important that our members are aware that I am the acting Vice Chair of the New England Council's Recreational Advisory Panel. MSBA will only be posting information we feel is accurate and from reliable sources such as government agencies etc. We have already read misleading and incorrect information elsewhere on the internet. It is truly a sad day. Our recreational community should be angry. Of the FIVE seats on the New England Fishery Management Council currently held by MA, NOT ONE is held by a recreational community representative. MSBA will be working with other recreational fishery leaders to organize effective means for our members and other anglers to turn our collective anger into effective actions. Stay tuned.
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