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I don't have a preconceived notion about this, other than that I think the population data is wrong and has probably been buffed to present the most favorable possible estimate because of political pressures and commercial bias on the board.
I would hope MSBA's experienced fisherman recognize the same issue and are interested in addressing it. To do so every idea should be considered on its own merit. Why, for instance, assume MA must give up any of its quota it chooses to use for conservation purposes? Why assume the recreational catch can not be limited by other means such as adjusting the slot limit or establishing a season (not that that is likely to be popular). And why prioritize the quantity of the fishery as opposed to the quality of the fishery?
I don't have a strong opinion regarding this bill........though I think it is ill conceived and poorly timed.....and very unlikely to pass. From a purely selfish standpoint I hope it does pass, after which the recreational limit would likely need to be severely curtailed to keep mortality below current levels (you get what you ask for) and a court case if necessary could ensue (probably backed by the Conservation Law Foundation) to establish a state's right NOT to kill fish if they so choose........which I suspect would be successful and ultimately save some decent fish for me to target over the waning years of my life.
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