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Now I see what you mean about the bycatch and quotas thing. Thanks for the clarification. About the thing about removing the largest bass: Yes there are millions of striped bass out there, but how many are out there reaching the size potential of the species? People, in general, are more apt to keep those that are exceptionally large, as opposed to releasing them and allowing them to breed. There were millions of swordfish and cod out there at one time too, reaching much larger size than we usually see today.
People have different views and needs, scientific reports are imperfect, and a lot more research needs to be conducted. I have attended many ASMFC public hearings on the issue in the past, and have read up on the issues.
Again, I restate that if we are to err, I would rather it be on the side of conservation and in the fishes' best interests. By doing so, we also serve the best interests of the fishermen.
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