Florida's Senator Bill Nelson

[harbison]

This just in from Senator Bill Nelson.
I am not going to try to sway opinion one way or another. Please jump in & let us know what you think. Bob H.
Dear Mr. Harbison:
Thank you for contacting me regarding recent restrictions on fishing and the Magnuson-Stevens Act. There have been a lot of concerns lately about fishery closures affecting Florida, whether in the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean. I support curbs to end overfishing, but I am concerned that too often these decisions are being made on limited and sporadic data.
That is why I introduced S.1916, the Fishery Science Improvement Act. This bipartisan legislation would ensure that fishery management measures are tied to recent and accurate stock assessments. Specifically, the bill would amend the Magnuson-Stevens Act so that the National Marine Fisheries Service would not be required to set annual catch limits for fish stocks that are not overfished and have not had a stock assessment within the previous six years. Fish stocks already determined to be overfished will not be affected by this legislation. The bill is pending before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. Similar legislation, H.R. 2435, is pending in the House.
I will continue to work to protect Florida’s fishing heritage, and I will insist that we are using robust, independent, and accurate data when making decisions that affect coastal communities. I appreciate your taking the time to share your views with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me again.
Sincerely,
Bill Nelson

[Offshore Madness]

nice

[harbison]

 
"The right segment of "fishermen" can do a way better job of species management than the current administration or "scientists". 
"Fisherman can not be trusted to set regulations, limits, seasons." Correct if we add one word: ALONE! If there is ever to be real, meaningful regulations a cooperative effort must exist among  fishermen, NOAA,  the Gulf Council & the FWC.
Fishermen left alone:  Back in the sixties no control existed on what was then huge king fish schools. We, myself included, decimated the stock. We, myself included, caught kings by the hundreds.
"There needs to be a control" Correct, again if we  add one word: MUST! There must be a control.
So what can we as fishermen/women do? Our big chance comes next November. We started in 2010; now we must finish the job. Our representatives, those we pay to represent us, must be forced to represent we the people and not the big money special interest groups. We must contact our Senators & Congressmen. Let them know what we demand of them. Forget the BS; it's put up or shut up time!  Even Obama is running scared. It must be remembered that he appointed Dr. Jane Lubchenco as head of NOAA. The same Jane Lubchenco with direct ties to two of the most radical environmental groups of them all, EDF & PEW. The same Lubchenco that, backed by the billions of EDF & PEW is determined to stuff catch shares down the throats of the fisherman. Want to pay for the privilege of catching a red snapper, support catch shares and we will all pay dearly. Want to make Walmart even richer, support catch shares. There is a very good reason why Walmart has donated over $30,000,000 for the promotion of catch shares. The profits to be earned from selling us back our fish are predicted to be in the billions.
NOAA funds a great deal of  the FWC's endeavors. As such, NOAA controls the FWC. Ever wonder why Florida followed NOAA with a ten month gag grouper closure? Follow the money trail. And  then there is the Gulf Council. Dr. Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator NOAA fisheries Services, a voting member on both the Gulf Council & SAFMC, was appointed in January of 2003. Roy, follow the money trail, Crabtree, has since become little more than a Lubchenco yes man. In Lubchenco's never ending push for catch shares, there is absolutely no doubt as to where Crabtree stands. We, the people, pay Roy $3,500.00 every week to represent us. Isn't it way past time that he represents us, not the special interest groups?
If there is ever to be real, meaningful regulations a cooperative effort must exist among fishermen, NOAA, the Gulf Council & the FWC.  Bob H.