Increase Commercial Catch for Striped Bass? Or NOT? - Sign up here

[ivanputski]

The biggest mistake any of us can make based on this issue is to pick a side, and then argue it's validity... Do whatever it takes to preserve and protect the future of this fragile resource... I dont give a rats arse about the person who loves the taste of striped bass... They'll be tasting frozen fish sticks when the fishery collapses again... Do what's best for preserving the resource... period.

[DZ]

We tried to reduce recreational take in Rhode Island some years ago by asking our managers for a more conservative option. Our managers told us that AFMFC will take any savings and give it to other states/user groups. When AFMFC says "your permitted to take so much in your state" you have to come up with a figuere that equals an amount that they approve - any more they reject it - any less they take the savings and pass it to someone else. No leeway.

I would think that a majority of recs would approve of a more conservative take - an exception would possibly be the "for hire" industry but they are a small fraction of the rec number. But recreational take is not the issue here at these current meetings.

DZ