Status of Patrick's Bass Bill ???

[2na]

with all due respect to the matter at hand, the language stating that any collapse of the stocks 'would have a catastrophic impact on Cape Cod's economy as well as other coastal communities' is laughable. Anyone on the cape knows that the issue of closing beach due to mismanagement over the bird issue has had much more of a 'catastrophic impact on Cape Cod's economy' than even complete disappearance of bass ever would. Did anyone notice that, back when stripers were scarce, fisherman just switched to blues?

I don't think we should risk it especially in these times.

Again, if he wants to improve the cape economy, 'especially in these times', a much better way would be to direct his efforts to limiting the draconian restrictions on beach access during the months of June, July and August. Last time I checked, that is when many more people than bass fisherman arrive on the cape.

I have no problem discussing ways to conserve the stocks. But they had better have much better reasons than this.

It is estimated that the cost of such a program would be about $500,000 to replace the profit made by the commercial striped bass fishermen. This money could come out of the revenue generated by saltwater licenses or a stamp for striped bass on the license.

Great. Extort more money from us.