|
Here is Pat's response from another site about mostly the same issue.
"My comments on behalf of MSBA have been reported in an incomplete manner in a couple posts above. I'm not going to spend a lot of time debating anyone here because I spend my time debating with regulators where it really matters.
I just want to correct or clarify a few things.
Regarding my testimony; last week the MSBA membership voted to oppose the main bill. Mike J above failed to mention that I also commented that our membership was far less united on the issue than last year and that our membership is concerned bout eh health of striped bass. I also made a statement that anyone can twist the numbers and I could but would not as this was a legislative hearing not a scientific one. I also testified that the community at large is split and that a significant and robust coast wide debate is needed, and that debate should be in the management arena where it belongs. The legislators get the fact that the public is concerned about the issue ands wants some action. I helped push that along whether you were paying enough attention to get that point or not, it was done. IF you want SB conservation like we a MSBA want, bring pressure to DMF where it is needed, that is what we are doing.
MSBA members voted to make the comment about public safety being the realm of the MA DPH and should not be a choice but the job of doctors and chemists (thus we are opposed) and I made the comments.
MSBA also voted to support the rec economic language as it is part of the existing MA Environmental Policy Act; at least the parts of it that can be codified. My testimony stated we support the economic reporting and I pointed out that the legislature does already. Very similar language exists in state law. We choose to comment in a way that regulators can digest instead of making non related random off topic points. As was stated by the chair during the hours I stayed, the testimony is for the members of the committee, and that is who I was speaking to, not the audience or the internet forums. Rah Rah Rah doenst save one fish. DMF getting pressured bey legislators instead of wasting time with go nowhere legislation is how to push ASMFC.
Last week MSBA also took a few votes regarding positions on Striped Bass Management. Membership supported a position of both 1 @ 28 & 1@32. The hearing yesterday was on three specific bills and that is why my comments were talking to those points. IF anyone thinks MSBA is done with regard to the current state of striped bas they would be seriously mistaken.
Also for those that might be interested, even if MSBA supported Gamefish in one way or another, we would not support the MA State Legislature's starting to manage fisheries.
SPECIFIC TO Numbskull: MSBA has had a survey booth in at least two of the last four shows and both times the question of whether the individual non member considered MSBA to represent their interest in the government process was asked. We also asked the question on the SF legislation and many others. The results take a lot longer than an hour to compile. It's more like a week of night work for two people to compile a four page survey. MSBA has already planned to do the same at this year's show. We even give away a charter to one of the persons that completes the survey. I hope everyone participates. Democracy works for those that show up and vote.
MSBA has begun a process amongst it's members to determine how to best address Striped Bass conservation in the management arena. We will be talking with other organizations both inside and outside MA. We tend to focus on groups that engage in the community or respond to initial contact. We don;t chase groups that do not engage. MSBA wants to see a reduction in mortality soon and that means before the benchmark assessment. We would clearly support the rollback of the 2006 increase which for MA means 1 @28" and 750K commercial. "
Agree or disagree, you have to respect the work Pat puts in for the sake of the fishery. Reducing mortality and pressuring the DMF to do so are most certainly things that most of us do agree on.
Well said, Pat
|