Yes, I have talked to scientist/researchers on this topic, plus done a lot of reading, but not specifically on this bill. Many of them are very supportive of using slot limits and are starting to see a real weakening fishery.
Main point to remember is that Mass can stop commercial fishing on it's own but to change to a slot fish would require ASMFC approval in the end. When they bring forward the slot limit the first thing that will be required is to determine the affect. At that time the science that Patrick is questioning will be applied. The results could vary but increasing above the current kill numbers is very unlikely. The slot size could change, there could be seasons associated with the slot, part or all of the commercial quota could be moved to the recreational fisherman and so on. So while the law may have some flaws associated with the slot limit, it is a good starting point.
Comments that the commercial quota will be turned over to the other states are backwards looking comments. Presently NH has a commercial quota that it does not use and NJ has a quota that it can use towards increasing recreational catch. But that is todays quota distribution process, but like everything it is subjected to change. Getting Mass out of the striper commercial fishing column can not be over stated in it's importance. ASMFC has been looking at making major changes to the stripe bass regulations. At the Feb ASMFC meeting there was a vote to put forward on an addendum to increase the commercial quota by as much as 25%. It failed on a tie vote with Mass voting in support of increasing the quota. What we need are more Richie Whites on the stripe bass management board. Take some time to read the report from the last meeting.
http://www.asmfc.org/speciesDocument...ardMinutes.pdf
No, I am not against commercial fishing as a whole. People talk about job losses associated with commercial fishing for stripers but everyone needs to remember that the real job market associated with stripers comes from recreational fishing. The value of having a quality recreational outlet for the public can never be overstated.
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