SSFFF applauds quota increase

[IrishAyes]

I would like to applaud and thank the SSFFF for all their hard work and dedication in this matter.

Below is an article from the Asbury Park Press, online...

http://www.app.com/article/20110318/NJSPORTS06/103180319/SSFFF-applauds-quota-increase?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Frontpage|p

The Save the Summer Flounder Fishery Fund has every reason to feel good about what its done to improve summer flounder quotas.

According to the SSFFF, since 2009, when anglers were faced with the almost certain prospect of going without a recreational fishery, anglers have enjoyed an 87 percent increase in quotas as a direct result of research funded by the organization.

"Increases in the summer flounder quota for the third consecutive year are finally leading to coastwide improvements in regulations. The key to the recent quota increases has been comprehensive stock assessment information derived from independent scientific studies commissioned and fully funded by the SSFFF," Greg Hueth a member of the SSFFF Board of Directors and president of the Shark River Surf Anglers said.

The fruits of SSFFF's labor should be even more fully realized this year as liberalized regulations for summer flounder are expected to be announced next month. The meeting to set the season, size and bag limits will be April 7 in Galloway Township. Among the options being considered is a season from May 2 to Sept. 30 with six fish at 18 inches. Such an extended season would be welcomed by shore anglers fishing for fluke.

Hueth points to the hiring of internationally renowned fisheries biologist, Dr. Mark Maunder, a recognized specialist in stock assessments and computer modeling as the key factor in the fight to save the fishery.

Dr. Maunder's comprehensive study investigated natural mortality and the impact of the stock's gender composition on summer flounder recruitment.

His work was subsequently peer-reviewed and accepted by NMFS as the best and most updated available science on the summer flounder stock.

This was the first time that a scientific research initiative — one wholly funded by recreational anglers — has been accepted and incorporated into the regulatory process, and is a direct result of SSFFF intervention and the generosity of the sport fishing community. Summer flounder stocks are currently estimated to be the largest ever recorded since such measurements began some 40 years ago.

"Instead of facing a complete closure of the recreational fishery, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (MAFMC) 30 percent increase in quota for 2011 is a continued sign of the benefit of having accurate scientific information. This quota increase yielded a net 87 percent increase in quota since 2009." Capt. Tony Bogan, one of the founders of SSFFF and a member of United Boatmen, said.

Going forward, the SSFFF will work to revamp the Marine Recreational Fishing Statistics Survey and bring changes to the Sustainable Fisheries Act that will allow more flexibility.

"There is no simple solution to these problems, but rather the combined efforts of all must continue to be focused on multiple fronts. The recreational fishing industry and all saltwater anglers must continue to lobby their legislators for better science, more accurate MRFSS data, and most importantly, more equitable laws that manage our fisheries," Dave Arbeitman, of the SSFFF added.

In recognition of a difficult economy, SSFFF has decided to forgo a 2011 fundraising dinner, Hueth said.

"There is currently enough funding in the treasury to complete the studies that have been commissioned and with that in mind, we will not seek additional funding at this time. In the future, we will reach out to our supporters as needed. "

[Kenny]

Great news!!

[Reckless]

Like going to the end of September.

[Hotrod]

Good Stuff..

[Bucktail]

 

[ChrisL]

That late season would be nice for use land based guys. 

[SurfJockey]

     to the SSFFF!