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I like the RFA position on this issue.
It goes somehting like this.
An outright Ban on commercial or recreational menhaden harvest is clearly in opposition to the Freedom to Fish Act (passe in RI so that junk science could not be used against Recreational fishermen) which sets up strict scientific parameters that must be met before a science based closure may occur.
Tha being said, The RFA recognizes that there is a vaild concern about members of any fishery wiping out or reducing the number of menhaden to a limit that would effect the quality of fishing in the bay.
A simple compromise would be to not ban commercial Menhaden Fishing but rather to "slow" it down by passing a bill akin to the very successful bill passed in NJ where gear type restrictions (requires the seine to be emptied via scoop or basket rather than by pump)were placed on the commercial fleet that allowed them to continue to make a living but slows them down enough to ensure any nsever depletion would be recognized and probably never happen).
Compromise is usually the best solution.
Just my 2cents but I am from MA and it is really none of my business.
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