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Just a follow up from todays meeting, we were not allowed to speak at this meeting so there was a communication problem as we were told that we would be able to.
However, it was brought up at the end of the meeting by Chuck Cassela who is one of the board members and represents the recreational sector. He will be having a meeting with Paul Diadoti who is the director of Marine Fisheries to discuss where the boats have been going as there have been photos submitted and to see if they are in fact in violation of where they are allowed to set their nets.
Chuck and Paul agreed to discuss our concerns after the meeting had adjourned for the day, which was very considerate as they did not have to do that. We were given a chance to let them know what has been going on in the area's of the inner harbor and how there just is not that much bait to go around in the 1st place.
Chuck was also given a copy of the regulations that the Pogie boats must abide by under their boat permits, we will be given this information later and then we will know for sure if they are in violation or not. As they will not be able to meet about this issue until Wed at the earliest.
IF they are in violation, Mr Diodatti said he will definatly deal with this issue, IF they are not, which cleary in some of the pictures we have taken they are, Then not alot can be done as they have as much right to be there as we do. SO we will let you know what we find out over the coming days.
In the mean time, if you are out there and see them setting inside of wallostons Moorings or Marina Bay area, or Winthrop harbor, please do not be confrontational, the best thing you can do is write down the GPS numbers for where they are, take photos of where they are, and send them to division of Marine fisheries. Also you can email your concerns or call them and let DMF know how this is affecting your fishing as they are also not allowed to set nets in areas where fishing is being conducted.
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