Copied this from another site but I think it is something we should all do. Takes only a second.
I did 2. Once with my signature and once with my son's.
The letter below was put together by ***** in an attempt to get the Governors attention focused on the economic impact of the NJ Fluke Fishery. I would ask all ********** members to consider sending it under their own signature. I just did.
There are 2 diffrent ways you can send it:
- Copy and paste the text below to a word document, add your name to the bottom, print it and send it via US mail
- Click on this link
www.nj.gov/governor/govmail.html . Under Topic choose "Natural Resources" and click on continue
. Under Sub Topic choose "Fish, Game and Wildlife"
. Complete the required information on the form
. Copy the text below and paste it in the message box
Thanks for you consideration everyone and thanks to ****** for putting this together.
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Honorable Governor Jon Corzine
Office of the Governor
PO Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625
Phone: 609-292-6000
Web address to contact:
Governor Corzine,
Some businesses and family livelihoods are under attack in the State Of New Jersey. I am writing to you about the recreational fishing industry for Summer Flounder (Fluke). Boat owners, Captains, Crew members, Tackle Shops and many other businesses are facing an uncertain future. The recreational fisherman asks for your help to save these New Jersey Shore businesses.
William Hogarth, director of the National Marine Fisheries Service issued a directive to the management of the Mid Atlantic Fisheries and Atlantic States Fisheries Services. The directive stated that if the mortality rate of Summer Flounder is not drastically reduced in 2008, there could be a total closure of this popular fishery starting in 2009. Such drastic cuts in 2008 or a total closure for 2009 and beyond would totally destroy a lot of family businesses at all of your wonderful shore points. From the Atlantic Highlands to Cape May the only lives these folks know could be taken away from them. Again, we ask very kindly for your help.
The fishing boats and tackle shops are privately owned by families. The sacrifice and dedication by these folks is a true American success story. Long hours, total family dedication, sacrifice and team work. Living and working on the Sea is the only life they have known, for some its generations. Corporate America does not own these businesses, American families do. New Jersey families do. The National Fisheries Service wants to take this away. It does not stop with the boats and tackle shops. Tackle producing companies would be hurt, Coffee shops, sandwich shops, motels and other New Jersey businesses would suffer.
The National Fisheries Service never does an economic study on the impact of such drastic cuts. They never take the time to research the impact. They come up with mortality numbers, but they don’t explain how this data is received. A fisherman who spoke to us told us about his 2007 fluke season. He had one keeper fluke in the ocean and eight keeper fluke in the Raritan Bay. For 2007 the fluke had to be at least seventeen inches. He caught around 200 fluke total for the season. Only NINE keepers. So, how is the Summer Flounder stock not being rebuilt? The National Fisheries Service has no answer to stories like this one.
I ask that you to support our New Jersey recreational fisherman and ask that you meet with the National Marine Fisheries Service and relay to them that these threats are unacceptable and that the State of New Jersey will not stand for an “Out of Business” sign being posted on the New Jersey Shore.
Thank you for your support and best regards,
(Add Your Name and Address Here)
