Last Night to Make Comment and Protect Bunker

[BasicPatrick]

E-mail the ASMFC

E-Mail: mwaine@asmfc.org
or
Fax: 703-842-0741

Background
The ASMFC is currently seeking public comment on management tools for the commercial and recreational menhaden fisheries to be included in Amendment 2 to the Atlantic Menhaden Interstate Fishery Management Plan. Comments must be received at the ASMFC by April 20.
Atlantic menhaden are critical to our marine ecosystem, yet overfishing has occurred in 52 of the last 54 years, based on the current mortality threshold. The population is now at record low levels.
It is time for the ASMFC to act by establishing the first ever coast-wide limit on menhaden landings, along with appropriate management measures to insure that the limit is not exceeded.

Primary points you might consider including in your comments

Implement coastwide landing reductions for the 2013 fishing season in order to start restoring the East Coast marine ecosystem. The sooner we restore menhaden abundance, the sooner it will benefit the ocean’s many predators as well as the east coast fisheries that depend on the commercial and sport fish that require menhaden to thrive.
Establish landing reductions that have a high probability of achieving the fishing mortality target of 30% MSP in three years or less. The ASMFC has seen overwhelming and unprecedented public support for menhaden conservation. Over 91,000 people wrote to the ASMFC in support of leaving more menhaden in the sea. In line with its mission to manage public marine resources sustainably, the ASMFC should finalize the new amendment to the fishery management plan by October, 2012.
Eliminate the 10 year phase-in option contained in the PID. A 10 year phase-in would be a disservice to the marine ecosystem and an insult to the public which has already waited for a decade for action to protect this critical species.
SAMPLE MESSAGE
Mr. Michael Waine
ASMFC Suite 200A-N
1050 N. Highland St.
Arlington, VA 22201

Dear Mr. Waine:

I am writing to express my concern over the precipitous drop in Atlantic Menhaden population and its effect on the coastal marine ecosystem. I urge that the ASMFC continue its efforts to restore the population of Atlantic Menhaden by creating an Amendment 2 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan which will include substantial landing reductions for the 2013 fishing season, and assure that the current mortality target (30% MSP) is achieved within 3 years or less.

Sincerely,
Feel free to personalize and modify this by adding your own comments.