Quote:
Originally Posted by BasicPatrick
I do not think even close to half the fishermen want gamefish status of any kind....
|
Curious statement and not likely an accurate perception. Sure, many recreational fishermen may have a vague sense that this is "unfair" or that it represents the first "foot in the door by the environmental Nazis", but if given a choice between watching their main recreational quarry be squandered by twisted, fuzzy, "science", biased fishery managers, and deep pocketed commercial interests (a point we seem to be quickly nearing), I'm pretty sure most would favor legislative action. You disagree?
Quote:
Originally Posted by BasicPatrick
.... and just for the record it's not just the fisherman's choice. fish are a public resource and here in the US all of the public gets a say...in theory anyway.
|
True of course, and the reason the proponents of this bill are using an economic argument (the validity of which is certainly open to debate) to drive it. Unfortunately very few people (myself included and the general public for sure) lack the economic sophistication to make an informed decision on this.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BasicPatrick
I say this because even if MA passes a law and ends commercial sale of S-B, MA can either move those fish to the rec catch (as is done in New Jersey with the third or trophy fish program) or the ASMFC will redistribute those fish in future years.
|
Of course this overlooks the obvious fact that the ASMFC makes decisions by vote and if MA switches from their current commercially biased position to a recreationally biased position, the balance of ASMFC decisions for the entire eastern seaboard will shift accordingly. You disagree?
Quote:
Originally Posted by BasicPatrick
Let's be honest here...SF knows the process and the only reason they are going this way is they could not get enough support to go through the traditional rulemaking process. The only ones to blame for that are all of the silent or internet only supporters that did not deliver when SF tried the regular process. The majority won then and will win again.
|
All true....except obviously the last sentence. The "majority" has never "won" anything with striped bass. The well connected, inside interests have "won", time and time again. It would appear that SF has decided to play their game this time around.....although I agree they will likely fail.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BasicPatrick
FYI...The bill is sponsored by Rep. Matt Patrick from Falmouth...Last night I was told by an officer of the Falmouth Fisherman's Association that Rep. Patrick has refused requests for meetings by both the Falmouth Fisherman's Assn. and the Falmouth Rod & Gun Club. He won't even meet with his own. I was also told paperwork was in process and a bank account is about to be opened for the committee to oppose his re election. He has hurt himself badly and the local clubs are pissssssssssed..
|
I live in Falmouth, Patrick, and can confidently say that neither club is particularly representative of the fishermen in town. I do not hear much discussion about this bill at all locally, but it does seem to have become a "hot issue" on the Vineyard (also part of Mr Patrick's district) and the sense I get is that the fishermen on the Vineyard are strongly behind it.
At the end of the day, win or lose, I think this bill will be a good thing for recreational fishermen in MA .....and ultimately for the fish as well.