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John,
Iwas saying that SB management is not just a State to State issue, as a matter of fact it is much more a Regional Issue. The leading Bopdy when it comes to SB Mgmt is the Atlantic ststes Marine Fisheries Comission (ASMFC). This body makes the overall plan for SB throughout the whole east coast. Then, each individual State can define it's regs that MUST comply with the overall plan. Some States use every last SB they are allowed to manage. MA has traditionally set its own regs more restrictive then the ASMFC plan. This is why MA is still at 1 Fish. This being said now let's move onto coming hearings.
There are two different management plans coming to Public Hearings this Summer. The first set coming is the proposed changes to the MA regs. these two hearings and the ongoing Public Comment period are this coming Monday and Tuesday. The second set of Hearings and Public Comment time is the ASMFC Ammendment 6 to the Striped bass Management Plan. This ammendment will have multiple options and is a developing plan in its last stages (time for the Public to step up and take a look.
My comment that you referred to is that VERY FEW who consider themselves in the know have any idea what is going on with regards to ASMFC. This is a very sad comment. This is why Recs get the short end when it comes to Fisheries Management in general. Without trying to be attacking, Mr Sandman can wax poetic about his plan to Comm Fish next year and write about it but in the long run it will not mean a thing with regard to affecting any kind of change. I give the example of the discovery magazine expose on Menhaden fishing along the east coast. That was the most devistating info I have read in a long time but recs get upset after the fact and missed the boat on that one in general. In the end some stopgap measures were enacted but real reform in that Fishery has and is not coming. Back to SB
As long as the Rec sector want to go off on some sort of dramatic tangent instead of showing up, joining the process, and committing to management issues long term, we lose. I know that RFA, CCA, MSBA and possibly a few others will deliver their Public commets at the MA hearings next week, but without calls, letters and bodies to show that the elected Officers of these Organizations are truely standing for their constituents. We need opinionated people like sandman to show up and get involved. I am saddened when I see the wasted energy used in heated discussions and general sweeping accusations. Childish Dramatic Rants have never worked, ever. I hope people show up and get involved.
My dad taught me something when I was young, "I got no right to bitch if I do not vote" I have never missed and election, not even a town election since I became of age.
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