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I think there are some key differences between any rod & reel fishery and the netters.
1. Catch and Release
Any fish caught on rod & reel stands a better chance of survival upon release. So undersized fish go back alive. The idiotic thing about size limits and nets... what good does it do to release a dead undersized cod.
2. Bycatch
see above. You can release an unintended victim more often than not. Again, what good does it do to release a dead juvenile striper or whatever else they may catch. I can't claim to know what bycatch comes along with cod netting, but this really goes beyond groundfish.
3. Habitat destruction
Draggers that dredge the bottom do a heck of alot more damage than just catching the fish. It disrupts the whole ecosystem.
That being said, it sounds like a party boat can claim a hefty toll on the fish too. I know that the total poundage is divided up between a bunch of individual anglers, but if 30 anglers limit out, your still taking alot of fish... albeit doing less damage overall.
I really don't know the overall numbers... tonnage, quotas, etc., but the focus of the fight shouldn't be protecting rec interests versus comm interests... it should be protecting the fish.
Yes, I realize that is idealistic.
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