Received this email from Tom Fote f the JCAA:
President Signs Executive Order
Here is the Friday, October 19th, Press Briefing by Jim Connaughton, Chairman, Council on Environmental Quality on the Executive Order that is being signed by President George Bush on Saturday, October 20th that prohibits the sale of striped bass and red drum from the EEZ. I was invited by the President to attend this signing of an Executive Order but could not make it. JCAA has been working on striped bass no sale for over 20 years and I have been working on it for over 30 years. It is nice to see that President Bush recognizes the importance of conserving striped bass and red drum and protecting the recreational community that depends on these fish. The EEZ is currently closed for striped bass fishing so there is no real impact there. However, this Executive Order also recommends that the states consider no sale status for these two fish. It will be interesting to see how the states and ASMFC react. There is also a bill sponsored by Congressman Frank Pallone with many cosponsors including Congressman Allen from Maine that would make striped bass a gamefish by Federal Legislation. The value of Federal Legislation is that the solution is more lasting and less dependent on the current President. It would also address state waters. It will be interesting to see if this Executive Order provides any motivation to move this bill. When I receive a copy of the Executive Order I will send it out.
Sincerely,
Tom Fote
