Fishermen fighting back! PFC... A new Coalition

[DarkSkies]

Who/What is the PFC?

Preserve Fishing Coalition

This is the first I'm hearing about this coalition, people. Right now I don't have enough info to make an informed decision.

I did go to their site, and so far like what I see.


One thing I'm learning is that we will need to become more politically involved to show strength and unity.

I'm not sure how effective online petitions can be, as I mentioned in another thread:

Laws/Legislation: How can I get involved in learning or voicing my opinion? (post #2, strategy #6 addresses online petitions)
http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=5660

I do like the fact that they are challenging the authority and reach of people involved with the PEW trust. Where they allude to this is the following statement:

"Over the last two decades, multi-billion dollar philanthropic foundations with strong corporate connections have influenced the inclusion of arbitrarily restrictive language in our nation’s primary fisheries law, the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act."





Just so we're clear on this, that translates as:


multi-billion dollar philanthropic foundations with strong corporate connections = PEW




While I don't know enough about them to make an endorsement yet, we can certainly talk about them here. They have many of the same people who are involved in the SSFFF. These are all well-known in the industry.



I'm posting it up here for anyone who's interested to go and check them out. Let me know what ya think, positive or negative.

http://fs16.formsite.com/FixMagnusonNow/form793561462/ (http://fs16.formsite.com/FixMagnusonNow/form793561462/)

[DarkSkies]

These are the companion House of Representatives and Senate bills that are being discussed in Washington right now.

Anyone concerned with their fishing future should do research to see what they are about.


The letter below addresses those pending bills and the concern that groups like the PEW Trust have involved themselves in fisheries management when the agents involved have no fishing experience or practical knowledge that many of us fishermen already have.

Check it out:

http://www.fishnet-usa.com/FlexibilityLetter.pdf

Below is one of the paragraphs that impressed me. :thumbsup: It illustrates one of the key problems with fisheries management...that real fishermen with years of fishing experience have been gradually excluded from the process.



"This is a 180 degree departure from the intent of the Magnuson Act as originally passed, which specifically included fishermen in the management process to balance the lack of precision in fisheries science with their on-the-water experience.

That imprecision is still and will always be with us and independent fishermen’s
participation in the management process should be as well.
Lost in the spin is the fact that most US fisheries are recovered, sustainable and growing. Lost too are fishing opportunities for hundreds of thousands of US fishermen, and the ability of millions of American consumers to enjoy locally-caught seafood.

Fisheries that have endured for generations are being arbitrarily restricted and in some cases drastically restructured. Dramatic rebuilding in many of our fisheries demonstrates such restructuring isn’t necessary, nor is the human suffering and economic devastation that accompanies it warranted."






There is something blatantly elitist about that that makes my blood boil.

So again, check out the site, the links, and let me know what you think of this newer Coalition.

If ya have any negativity, I would like to hear that was well. You might just find out something that I'm not aware of. I'm just looking to have honest discussions here, and give you people my honest opinions. Thanks. :HappyWave:

[DarkSkies]

This is what they're asking via e-mail. It gives a little more background. Again, I'm not endorsing them yet until I get to know a little more about them. But many of you do know these guys already, so please investigate further if you want to learn more:


[Fix The Magnuson Act Now!

If you think it's time for independent fishermen to once again be allowed significant participation in federal fisheries management, go to this site (http://fs16.formsite.com/FixMagnusonNow/form793561462/) and read the letter that's linked there thanking the sponsors of the proposed Magnuson Flexibility legislation, pointing out - nicely - that it's a good start and acknowledging - not so nicely - some of the reasons that fishermen are in the shape they're in today.

It was crafted by 14 rec, comm and party/charter people. If you agree with it, sign on - and spread the web address around. The letter will be presented to the sponsors, and non-sponsors as well, at the rally in DC on February 24th.]