Opening day of cod season

[Captain Jason Colby]

Don't get me started but I am on one of the advisory councils that got us here (GOM-RAP). What we recommend and vote for means nothing to the government. We are not even allowed to discuss the "real issues", we are told to stick to the (irrelevant) agenda. If we want to deviate from the agenda we have to file a motion to add a item to the next agenda. Tom Depersia has been trying to add an item to the "next" agenda for 16 years!
They (NOAA, NEFMC, GARFO, etc.) reject all we say anyway and then do what they want (that is to give the draggers what they want).
The "fishery management process" is a sham!
I start every meeting I go to by suggesting we remove the draggers from the water and "problems solved". I'm told to shut up every time!

JC