[BasicPatrick]

Johny D... I think you are readng something into what I posted.

I argue over the science all the time and agree our best science is not much more than educated guess.

I was only trying to aswer a few of the easy questions that came up in this thread.

The 8% release mortality number comes form a study by MA DMF and is surely nothing more than an average. Obvously less mortality for well handled fish and more for poor handled fish. etc etc. My point about disease is only that there is an accounting for disease mortality, not that I agree with the numbers. The one fish per person statement has been around for a long time and has been analyzed a lot but once again, I am not saying I agree, just that there are numbers used.

I see our need as to challenge the numbers with better numbers. How we do that is another question completely.

I agree with Mike that the best source for some of this Info is ASMFC but to be honest many of these questions will not be readily avaiable on the web site. The staff thre does however do a great job in getting answers to questions.

As far as condescending, I was not trying to be in this thread by any means. Just offerring up some info. I think these threads are great as they make people think about the resource and every once in a while someone will attend a hearing or meeting. Awesome!!!

As far as the other thread...I did not fire until called the first name. I'll debate merits of an arguement with anyone...call me ignorant or stupid...well then...we'll argue!!!