Help support Frank Blount for the New England Fishery Managment Council

[MakoMike]

I don't know how many of you know Frank. He owns and runs the Frances Fleet party boats out of Galilee, RI. Frank served three terms on the NEFMC where he kept the interests of the recreational sector in front of all the council members, most of whom represent the commercial fishermen. Frank could not be reappointed to the council after his last term because three terms is all one is allowed to serve. Now he is seeking to be appointed to an "at large" seat on the council. I urge everyone to support getting Frank back on the council, us recreational fishermen need a voice on the council.

To support Frank all you need to do is to write a letter to the RI governor and the head of our DEM. You do NOT have to be a RI resident to do this. In the next message I'll post a form letter and the addresses (both snail and e-mail) of the people to write to. It should take less than 5 mintues of copying and pasting to craft your own letter to send to the Governor and the Director.

Lets keep an effect voice for the recreational fisherman on the council.

[MakoMike]

Governor Donald L. Carcieri
Office of the Governor
State House, Room 115
Providence, RI 02903
http://www.governor.ri.gov/contact/


W. Michael Sullivan, Director
235 Promenade Street
Providence, RI 02908-5767
(401) 222-2771
Fax 222-6802

michael.sullivan@dem.ri.gov





Dear

It is my privilege to support Frank Blount as a candidate for the New England Fisheries Management Council. Frank has been very active in fisheries management on both the state and federal level for many years. When Frank was on the council he earned the respect of his peers. He was on the council’s executive committee and in his final term he served as chairman of the council. Although Frank’s background is mainly recreational in nature he has always been fair and open minded when dealing with all issues. Frank has done an outstanding job representing not only RI interest but the interest of the region as well. Frank has a well balanced background with a degree in Fisheries and Marine Technology, commercial experience and years of recreational/party/charter boat fishing. Frank is the right person for a seat on the council.

As you are aware in a recent letter to Governor Carieri, Dr. Bill Hogarth stressed the need for balance on the council. Dr. Hogarth is encouraging governors to nominate people from the “recreational fishing sector with rod-and-reel and hook-and-line experience.” Dr. Horgarth also states” I fully intend to select from all at-large nominees to balance, to the extent practicable, membership on the Councils.” With the Secretary of Commerce saying up front what he is looking for we need a candidate that meets all of the criteria. Frank Blount is that person. We do not want too see this seat go to another state. It needs to stay with Rhode Island.

I thank you in advance for considering Frank Blount for this position.

Sincerely,

[JohnR]

Perhaps - can you give us a more detailed run down on why we should recommend for Frank Blount? I don't know him well at all but would like to see evidence of how he's supported 1) Rec Fishing 2) Balance in Fisheries Management 3) Advocating for the Party Boats...

What other organizations are vouching for Frank Blount?


Thanks,

John

[Springtides]

Why do recreational folks need a commercial representative? On surface its contradictory. Although if you come up with good reason (like JohnR said) I could support it.

[MakoMike]

Originally Posted by Springtides

Why do recreational folks need a commercial representative? On surface its contradictory. Although if you come up with good reason (like JohnR said) I could support it.

Commercial representative? Frank is a recreational representative. His business is supported by recreational fishermen, if recreational fishermen get the shaft, his business takes the hit. I don't know what "groups" are supposrting his candidacy, I'm pretty sure the RI charter/party boat Assn. will, but I don't think they have an "official" position yet. Frank fought for fair treatment of the recreational sector through his first three terms on the council. He was responsible for recreational fishermen being allowed to fish in the "closed"areas of the GOM. Initially the council wanted to close those areas to all fishing. That move alone should prove his bona fides, but he had a role in many other, albeit smaller, decisions.

[RIROCKHOUND]

My thoughts:
I am involved w/ the Tautog AP, and know Frank.

I am anti- separate charter/rec regulations. We tried that with Blackfish and it didn't go so well.

Frank, whether you agree with him all the time or not generally has intentions that I agree with. He seems to get the management aspects and biology as well as any of us, and I'll support him. We can certainly do worse.

One of the pro's of having someone who's livelihood is based on rec. fisherman is that they are usually more passionate about getting to the meetings and staying involved.

Thats my 0.02 take it or leave it.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by RIROCKHOUND

My thoughts:
Thats my 0.02 take it or leave it.

Take it or leave - still value and want to hear it

[Springtides]

I misread that original post. Respect Hound too. Sorry a bit tired.

[Slick Moedee]

Frank is solid. I have worked with him on a number of pelagic issues over the past 10 years or so. He brings an item to the table that some folks opt to leave at home, common sense.

[echoisland]

just sent off email to gov.

[MakoMike]

Originally Posted by Slick Moedee

Frank is solid. I have worked with him on a number of pelagic issues over the past 10 years or so. He brings an item to the table that some folks opt to leave at home, common sense.

Boy, you got that right!