Bluefin Tuna Meeting in Barnegat on 3/22

[Capt John S]

Sorry for the last min notice, but I was just forwarded the info myself. Anyone able to attend, it would be good for a strong recreational showing, and some comments to be heard. I've put the link below.

If you fish for these... Don't you think you should be involved?

The NMFS meeting  is on March 22, 6:30pm at the Ocean County Library, 112 Burr Street, Barnegat, NJ.

So, they are looking to adjust the recreational sector quota, while implamenting a longline fishery and opening gear restricted areas.

We have complied with the conservation rules and this is what we now face for doing "by the book"?

If anyone can make it, I urge that you do. I'll be there. Again, I know it's last minute.. but.. aren't fishing trips last min also?

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/new..._Listserve.pdf

[Hotrod]

Wish I could...

[Capt. Rich K]

See you there

[Bucktail]

I'll be working tomorrow night.  Please report back after the meeting.

[Capt John S]

See you there

Come up and say Hi.. I'll be wearing a blue Benchmark Sportfishing Polo Shirt.

I'll be working tomorrow night.  Please report back after the meeting.

I'll take notes for everyone
Maybe we could come up with a letter representing this forum that members could sign and send in for comment. The Period for comments is open until April 11. In the realm, we are only a small voice.. but. It should be heard. It must be heard to implament true data to back our interests...
Just my thoughts, is there an interest here, if I put it together?

[Hotrod]

Spoke to Eric today..  This isn't looking good

Someone wish to explain their 'Thinking" as to why we may not have a Bluefin Fishery at all this year.

[Bottom Dweller]

Richie?

[Capt. Rich K]

I got this from another site is should sum it up.

The 2011 specifications for the Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery will lead to
the lowest ever quotas for commercial and recreational bluefin tuna
fishermen mainly because the longline fleet is responsible for large levels
of dead discards of bluefin tuna. The current management system allows for
the open ended accumulation of longline dead discards. NMFS HMS has
accounted for these discards in the past by deducting them from other
underutilized categories and roll over quotas. The new 2011 specification
does little to limit or control longline discards.

In fact, under the current system, longliners are rewarded for discards and
are not accountable at all. NOAA “math” simply reduces next year’s quota to
all commercial and recreational fishermen based on the previous year’s
longline dead discard estimate.

This year, the bluefin tuna longline dead discard estimate is 160 tons,
(most dead bluefin are between 70 and 85 inches) or approximately 1,000 to
1,500 individuals. Do to reduced fishing quotas and improved enforcement in
the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean fisheries, and as our own Western
Atlantic stock rebuilds, the incidental interaction between bluefin tunas
and the longline fleet will continue to increase. As a result numbers of
dead discards will increase. If left unchecked, this industrial fishing
fleet will continue to cause reduced quotas for our artesianal commercial
and recreational fishermen.
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/newslist/2011/03-11-11_BFT_Proposed_Specs_Listserve.pdf

Take from us to Give to others.

[Bucktail]

Thanks Capt. Rich.

[IrishAyes]

Thanks for the info guys. It is a shame that the regulators have absolutely no common sense. 

[Hotrod]

So what's the chances we'll not be aloud to target Bluefin this year   could that actually happen

[Capt. Rich K]

Email comments here sorry its a picture don't have a printer for the mac  

[Mojoman]

Common sense if frowned upon Irish. Especially when the government is involved.

[Bottom Dweller]

What a crock of BS           Thanks Rich,  Just when I thought I was gonna get my permit. I feel I'm being discriminated against By ICCAT,NOAA,NMFS,NJ, And the rest of the Federal Government. Wheres my dam lawyer? Guess I can cancel some trips?

[Bucktail]

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/fishery_rules/2011/03-21-11_BFT_Specs_Comment_Period_Extention_76_FR_15276.pdf

[Capt John S]

Hi Guys,

  Thanks Rich for the additional info. Sorry I wasn't able to talk to you and introduce myself at the meeting. I got delayed getting there, and missed the presentation packets, although it should all be available on the NOAA website. I attended for a firsthand introduction to the issues, and I'm glad I did. There were a few very intense comments from the for-hire and recreational sector, and one from the long line fleet.
  I will add to this post as I can, but due to family health issues, I have been distracted.
  Comment period is open until the end of April, and will post my submitted comment here also for all to see. This is an issue the rule making authorities have seen coming, while not informing us of the "upcoming" proposed rules, until very late in the process. The reduction in allowable rollover is really hurting the proposed quotas. Last year the allowable rollover of underharvested quota was 50%, this year it's only 10%.
  A question I have and will research is- The ICCAT quota system is a "use it or lose it" understanding.. correct? So why is 18% of the US Quota still issued to the purse seine sector, if there has been no landings within that sector for the last 3 years? Couldn't that 18% be used to somewhat even out the PLL fleet's deadloss? or am I completely off-base for thinking this way.
   It's so confusing and overwhelming originally taking on these topics. Which I suspect is why many fellow anglers stay shadowed on the sidelines.
 Lets Talk about it, ask questions, and discuss whats really going on. If we come up with a list of questions, I will personally submit them to NMFS for answers.
   We are running out of time to make educated, well spoken comments. Let's not wait on this anymore!