Va fishermen pushing for proposed change to 3 mile EEZ

[DarkSkies]

(Courtesy of Finchaser)

This is why it's important to pay attention to the happenings in other states, people.

Sport fishermen in Va currently are discussing a proposal to change the EEZ boundaries from 3 to 12 miles. Who cares and why are they doing it?

Because they found out that the bulk of the striped bass are around 10 miles offshore there, fattening up on the plentiful sandeels, bunker, and herring there.

They don't think it's fair that they seem to be restricted by the 3 mile EEZ as put into place by President Bush.

So here we have a proposal to change it to 12 miles. :kooky:

If Va can do it, why can't all the states along the Eastern seaboard do it?

Hence we have a dilemma here. What makes them so special? I don't have an answer for this one, but wanted to make you people aware. Right now things are only being discussed. If there is any momentum from these discussions, that will be presented to legislators. I don't understand how they can circumvert federal law on this. I would appreciate if some could fill in more of these details.

For now, here's the poll that's circulating:

[DarkSkies]

Here ya go:

http://www.virginiafishing.com/





*STRIPER REGULATIONS POLL*


Currently there is a possible proposition to allow an extension along the Virginia territorial water limit from 3 miles out (from the coast line) to 12 miles out (from the coast line) during Striper season. This would allow catches of Striped Bass to be legal within 12 miles of the coast line.
This has not been passed yet, however this information will be shown when the meeting is held to aide in their decision of extending or not extending the territorial limit.
The current Atlantic Ocean limit in Virginia is 2 Striper per person, each fish must be 28" or over, and all fish must be caught within the 3 mile limit from the Virginia coast line. Please choose which option you agree with.
*NOTE*
This poll has nothing to do with increasing the size or the bag limit of Striper. This is only for extending the VA Territorial water limit from 3 miles to 12 miles.


PLEASE CHOOSE ONE:
Make the changes to the territorial limit. Change the regulations. 2 fish per person,
28" +, and up to 12 miles off the beach.
Keep the regulations as they are.
No change is required. 2 fish per person,
28" +, and within 3 miles off the beach.

[DarkSkies]

**

http://www.virginiafishing.com/charter%20row%20and%20marina%20pics/6f7aa1e4.JPG



DECEMBER FISHING REPORTS (http://www.virginiafishing.com/FISHING%20REPORTS/December/Decemberindexlist.htm)

SPOTLIGHT FISHING PICTURE
12.24.09 (http://www.virginiafishing.com/FISHING%20REPORTS/December/December%2024.htm)
http://www.virginiafishing.com/2009%20Pictures/December/12.24.09/100_2353.JPG
12.23.09 (http://www.virginiafishing.com/FISHING%20REPORTS/December/December%2023.htm)
http://www.virginiafishing.com/2009%20Pictures/December/12.23.09/100_2341.JPG
12.22.09 (http://www.virginiafishing.com/FISHING%20REPORTS/December/December%2022.htm)
http://www.virginiafishing.com/2009%20Pictures/December/12.22.09/100_2339.JPG
12.21.09 (http://www.virginiafishing.com/FISHING%20REPORTS/December/December%2021.htm)
http://www.virginiafishing.com/2009%20Pictures/December/12.21.09/100_2324.JPG
12.20.09 (http://www.virginiafishing.com/FISHING%20REPORTS/December/December%2020.htm)
http://www.virginiafishing.com/2009%20Pictures/December/12.20.09/100_2319.JPG
12.18.09 (http://www.virginiafishing.com/FISHING%20REPORTS/December/December%2018.htm)
http://www.virginiafishing.com/2009%20Pictures/December/12.18.09/100_2245.JPG
12.17.09 (http://www.virginiafishing.com/FISHING%20REPORTS/December/December%2017.htm)
http://www.virginiafishing.com/2009%20Pictures/December/12.17.09/DSCF0198.JPG
*STRIPER REGULATIONS POLL*

Currently there is a possible proposition to allow an extension along the Virginia territorial water limit from 3 miles out (from the coast line) to 12 miles out (from the coast line) during Striper season. This would allow catches of Striped Bass to be legal within 12 miles of the coast line.
This has not been passed yet, however this information will be shown when the meeting is held to aide in their decision of extending or not extending the territorial limit.
The current Atlantic Ocean limit in Virginia is 2 Striper per person, each fish must be 28" or over, and all fish must be caught within the 3 mile limit from the Virginia coast line. Please choose which option you agree with.
*NOTE*
This poll has nothing to do with increasing the size or the bag limit of Striper. This is only for extending the VA Territorial water limit from 3 miles to 12 miles.

PLEASE CHOOSE ONE:
Make the changes to the territorial limit. Change the regulations. 2 fish per person,
28" +, and up to 12 miles off the beach.
Keep the regulations as they are.
No change is required. 2 fish per person,
28" +, and within 3 miles off the beach.

[BassBuddah]

They are limiting out or getting close to limit catches every time in those pictures above. Still that's not good enough. They want to extend the limit to 12 miles so they can catch more fish? Why should they be the only state to be able to do it, like you said Dark. Doesn't this violate the gamefish bill of 2008 signed by President Bush?:huh:

[Frankiesurf]

In some of those pics there are 15 dead bass. How big are these charter boats?

It also looks like in a few that there were not enough anglers to the amount of fish.

I think it will be a hard sell to extend this limit, especially since it was passed not too long ago and also the state of the fishery is in decline.

[BassBuddah]

I did a search. This is the jist of the gamefish bill started in 2007 and passed oct 17, 2008.

It would appear they have to go against this decree to fish beyond 3 miles. The language here talks about bass not being used for commercial use, so maybe they recreational fishermen will be able to get around it. I wonder if they can actually do that in their legislature. It would be wrong if they decided to pass it.





Federal Government Confirms Red Drum and Striped Bass Gamefish Status


Announcement affirms 2007 Executive Order signed by President Bush
Alexandria, Virginia- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NFMS) announced in the October 17, 2008, Federal Register that the requirements set by Executive Order 13449 which established striped bass and red drum as gamefish have been fulfilled.

NMFS determined that the current rules banning the sale of striped bass and red drum caught in federal waters in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico achieve the intent of Executive Order 13449, signed by President George W. Bush on October 20, 2007.

"This ruling ensures that striped bass and red drum will survive and grow for generations of anglers to enjoy," ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman said. "We are very pleased that NMFS has completed this ruling ensuring that federal waters will be closed to commercial fishing for these important gamefish."

Executive Order 13449 established gamefish status for striped bass and red drum in federal waters. Gamefish status means that the two species are provided regulations and management measures to promote their well-being as a fish sought for recreational fishing and not for sale if caught in federal waters.

This announcement insures the recreational, economic and environmental benefits of two of the most popular gamefish in the United States. The order protects the fisheries in federal waters from commercial harvest, which include three miles to 200 miles offshore. The Order does not cover state waters, which go from the coastline to three miles offshore. Many states have conferred gamefish status for these species and the executive order encourages those that have not conferred gamefish status to do so. The announcement on October 17, 2008 signifies that the regulatory requirements of the executive order were fulfilled.

[dogfish]

Doesn't this violate the gamefish bill of 2008 signed by President Bush?:huh:


I think it will be a hard sell to extend this limit, especially since it was passed not too long ago and also the state of the fishery is in decline.

I got $10 that says they get it done. Those southern boys down there work differently than we do. Money changes hands, political contributions are made, expensive trips are paid for by annymous benefactors. It's all about the money and boats, and votes. There are plenty of boats and rich folks in virginia. The votes will be lined up, mark my word.:burn:

[nitestrikes]

That sucks. It would be absolutely incredible to see them get away with this.

[Frankiesurf]

What's the time limit on that bet Dogfish?

[dogfish]

^I say if it they get it to the committee and grease enough politician palms, it could happen there within 2 years. What do you say frankiesurf?

[Frankiesurf]

^I say if it they get it to the committee and grease enough politician palms, it could happen there within 2 years. What do you say frankiesurf?

You're on. I take Paypal.:)