This is what happens at these meetings and why I no longer go. Everyone gets insulted and everyone knows more than the next guy. Fishermen, as a group are pretty narrow minded people. They are not the creme dela creme of the academic world and see life thru a rather narrow field of view. You can't talk to most of them. They have their mind made up and they generally adopt a very selfish position.
Bottom line: Comm's think they have a right to sell fish and no own should take that from them ever(regaurdless of the fishery status) They view recs as guys in their way and taking potential $ from their pockets.
Rec's hate to see anyone exploiting the fish but would like to be able to freely fish and take something home now and again. They view comms as greedy fishermen who would take every last fish if they could.
Conserv's don't give a damn about people or the economy, save the planet. Feel they have the high moral ground.
I don't think there is a happy medium. These "groups" will never agree...its like repub's vs dems', Israel and Palestine, its not a happy group. There is a lot of hatred, namecalling, finger pointing and general dislike between them.
IMO just shut it down all together. No sale, no take for the next decade right up the coast. Work on the bait problems without undue fishing pressure from anyone. Make it a C&R fishery. and while they are at it...Draggers must avoid all areas where SB swim...out to 15 miles. No dragging inshore ever.
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