There is only 6 day left to get you comments to the NOAA against the proposed changes to the Shark regulations.
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/newslist/2012/11-15-12_a5_proposed_rule_listserv.pdfProposed is the increase in minimum fork length, both commercial AND RECREATIONAL, for all shark species from 54" to 96". It's no typo, 96" otherwise known as 8 feet from the tip of the nose to the fork in the tail to become legal to retain. that's almost double of the current 4 1/2 feet length. Those of us who shark fish inshore usally never see sharks that size, and will loose out on keeping any Makos, might be lucky and get a chance at very large Thresher, but thats a long shot. The offshore boys will get a shot at the larger sharks, but still, 8 feet is a big shark, many will go home empty handed as well.
I understand the need to protect some species, but to place those length requirements on ALL species beyond the ones that the changes are intended to protect, is an all out assualt on shark fisherman. Please let NOAA that this just ain't right.
Written comments, identified by “NOAA-NMFS-2012-0161”, may be submitted electronically via the Federal eRulemaking Portal
http://www.regulations.govPlease, let's all stick together to help stop this minimum length increase.
