Pogy Boats and Recreational Fishermen

[Clammer]

As I stated earlier ///this is RI //

Spence /
from tha take from your post of the laws /it makes reference to taking as bait ---not fertilizer or cat food .. I don,t believe Arc bait sells to anyone except bait dealer, lobsterman & fisherman ...

WTF knows why & how the big boat from Maine got in & worked our waters this year ?????????

[Slinger]

RI, greatest little government money can buy!
Slinger

[MakoMike]

The state can ban pogies netting in state waters, not only has NJ done it but do have NY and CT in Long Island Sound.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by big jay

In this case federal law does not supercede state law just b/c menhaden are a migratory species. The state of RI or any state for that matter has the right to restrict fishing - specifically gear types (ie seining) in their state waters.

The best example of this is Massachusetts has banned Tuna Seining in State Waters for 2006 (this includes all of Cape Cod Bay). Even though Bluefin are one of the most strictly managed federal species, Ma could supercede in state waters.

I know the Pogy boats are very well connected, but anything is possible. The Tuna seiners had a very powerful lobby and were finally limited due to years of outcry from many rec and commercial fisherman. Whether this ever happens in Narragansett bay or not is anybody's guess. But it is possible, and legal for the state to step in if they so desire.

I beleive this is true that while the state cannot impose catch limits on a federaly managed species it can apply regulations as to what can happen where within it's own state waters. So yes, the state could do something. Anyone have something concrete on this?

[NIB]

NJ ousted the reduction boats 5 yrs ago an the proof has been in the puddig since.Yesterday there was a steady stream of bunker for at least 10 miles. We still have bait boats but i don't see em around as much as I usta.We basically have no chance of eliminating the bait boats.They have to much power in the form of representaion on the panel. Things have been good here yes,so they will leave well enough alone for now.In the Raritan bay waters.There is NO bunker siening in the NY side.So it can be done.

[spence]

Just curious, does anybody know the economic impact of the menhaden catch for bait in RI waters?

-spence

[eelman]

Basically, that law is worthless, as Clammer said, this is Rhode Island.


"b) These restrictions shall in no way prevent the taking of menhaden by purse seine for bait, chum, or purposes other than fish meal reduction."

And that says it all..............

[MakoMike]

Originally Posted by spence

Just curious, does anybody know the economic impact of the menhaden catch for bait in RI waters?

-spence

Spence, From what I hear there is no way to tell. Since there are less than five boats in the fishery all of their catch data is confidential. If you can't find out how much they catch you can't estimate the economic impacts.