Quote:
Originally Posted by BasicPatrick
Has anybody making comments on the science related to this bill actually talked to a scientist that works with stock asessment programs?
Can anyone state directly what the new "f" rate will be?
The Mass Striped Bass Assn will be soon be releasing a position on the bill that includes analysis of the science behind the bill.
The bill will not slip by quietly by any means...in MA the next step is a hearing.
|
I spoke with a friend who is an emeritus scientist from WHOI. He was at a meeting with the scientists in charge of stock assessment and obtained a very chagrinned admission from them that their current stock estimates were probably wildly inaccurate and that the real number might well be less than 1/2 of what they are choosing to use for management decisions. There is also the issue of increased natural mortality in MA waters related to the burgeoning seal population.
So is MSBA in favor of maintaining the current maximum use of the resource, or reducing pressure on the population by some other means?