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Not sure I buy into the numbers as the data collection methods are flawed, IMO.
Anectdotally speaking there seems to be fewer fish being caught each year since the late 90's, but back then you could walk on their backs at certain times, which isn't necessarily good for the stocks, either. Most of the fish were real slim back then and I remember catching lots of fish off Truro around the 50" mark that barely weighed 40#...most weighed in the mid 30# class.
Fish seem to be bigger now with regard to length/weight as compared to back then, and perhaps this idicates we're closer to a predator/prey balance than we were back then.
Whatever the case may be, I'm doing my part for marine conservation by killing more trees than eels this year. Hopefully I'll be allocated a place in heaven replete with sandy beaches, gentle surf, and comfortable neoprene.
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