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A big thanks to all that came out to the State House for the public hearing today. Anyone that attended clearly saw that there is overwhelming public opposition to the legislation. The Stripers Forever advocates could not even answer basic questions from committee members and pretty much imploded when asked to justify/defend their proposals. They had their chance to make their case and failed miserably.
Although some forces wish to use this legislation to fire up a feud between the Rod & Reel Commercial Fleet and the Recreational Fishing Community, MSBA will not allow that to interfere with ongoing political unity and actions that can truely make a difference and bring improvement to some issues we all know exist. For example, it is only when acting as one community can we make progress in the campaign to bring change to the Atlantic Herring Fishery (especially the rape of our local waters by Mid Water Trawl and Pair Trawl Gear) or make sure that the next round of Striped Bass Management actions at the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission adresses known issues. Together We Can!!!
A big thanks to the following organizations for turning out members and participating in today's actions:
Cape Cod Charter Boat Assn.
Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fisherman's Assn
Cape Cod Salties
MA Beach Buggy Assn
MV/Chilmark/Dukes County Fishing Group
New Bedford/Marion Fishing Group
North East Charter Boat Assn
RFA MA
Stellwagen Bank Charter Captains Assn
(If we missed anyone, we apologize)
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