Originally Posted by
crosseyedbass
Fishing Industries unite for fisheries reform
By On Deck Staff
Cape May Harold
Members of the recreational, charter, and commercial fishing industries, representing over 100 fishing organizations, met with Members of Congress and congressional staff in support of bipartisan legislation which promotes healthy populations of fisheries and fishing communities.
H.R. 5425, the Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fishery Act of 2008, co-sponsored by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Henry Brown (R-SC), Barney Frank (D-MA), and Walter Jones (R-NC) would provide a measure of flexibility into the management process without compromising conservation goals.
At present, the law requires a total rebuilding of the stock of certain “overfished” species within 10 years, often requiring drastic reductions in fishing quotas and in some cases a complete or effective shut-down of the fishery.
Those who attended meetings on Capitol Hill stated:
“The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) and its members continue to fight for fishing organizations nationwide. I am encouraged by the level of bipartisan support we have received for this legislation.
“Congressional support for H.R. 5245 is the first step to managing fish populations for both recreational and commercial purposes without compromising our conservation efforts or the rebuilding efforts initially established by the Magnuson-Stevens Act.”- James A. Donofrio, Executive Director of the RFA.
“The spirit of cooperation between the sectors was amazing. Everyone there recognized the passion we have in common–fishing. Together we can effect positive change for the resource and the fishermen no matter if you were commercial, charter or recreational.”- Robert Spaeth, Southern Offshore executive director.
”The real, and we believe, unintended impact of the current Magnuson-Stevens Act, is that historic fishing communities, small historic fishing families, and the fishing public are suffering brutal social and economic harm. So much so that the charter fishing sector is facing 25 percent or more of the national fleet going out of business at the end of this year.
“This inflexibility of the current Magnuson-Stevens Act along with a slow economy and increasing fuel prices is causing unprecedented reductions in fishing effort every day.” -Captain Bob Zales, II, executive director, Conservation Cooperative of Gulf Fishermen (CCGF).
Organizations supporting H.R. 5425, include: Atlantic Marine Electronics, Atlantic Highlands Bait, Tackle & Boat Rental (NJ), Bay Park Fishing Station (NY), Big Game Fishing Journal, Bimini Bay Outfitters, Bombardier Recreational Products, Bradley Beach Fishing Club, Brielle Chamber of Commerce (NJ), Cape May County Party & Charter Boat Association, Captain Anderson’s Marina, Captain Tate’s (NJ), Captree Boatmen's Association Charterboat Association of Puget Sound, Coastal Fisherman, Conservation Cooperative of Gulf Fishermen, Eastern Shore Anglers Virginia, Fishermen’s Conservation Association, Fisherman's Den (NJ), Fishermen’s Supply (NJ), Fishing Rights Alliance, Folsom Tackle Corporation, Forked River Tuna Club, Garden State Yacht Sales (NJ), Greg Abrams Seafood, Greater Point Pleasant Charter Boat Association (NJ), Grumpy's Tackle (NJ), Half Hitch Tackle, Har Lee Rod Inc. (NJ), Hobby Lobby Marine (NJ), HD Wood Advertising, Julian’s Sport Shop (NJ), Indian River Charter Boat Association, Island House Marina (VA), Jersey Coast Anglers Association, Maine Association of Charterboat Captains, Manasquan River Marlin & Tuna Club, Marine Retailers Association of America, Marine Trades Association, NJ, Montauk Boatmen's and Captain's Association, Murphy's Hook House (NJ), My Wife's Rod & Reel Repair Shop (NJ), National Association of Charterboat Operators (NACO), National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), New Jersey Angler, New Jersey Beach Buggy Association, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, Nor’east Saltwater, Northeast Angling, Northeast Charter Boat Captain’s Association, Old Inlet Bait & Tackle, Delaware, Port Monmouth Marine, Inc. (NJ), Ramsey Outdoor (NJ), Recreational Fishing Alliance, Rudy Marine (DE), Save the Summer Flounder Fishery Fund, Mid-Atlantic Scott's Bait & Tackle (Bradley Beach, NJ), Scott's Bait & Tackle (Mystic Island, NJ), Shore Catch Guide Service (NJ), South Jersey Marina (NJ), South Jersey Saltwater Anglers, Spray Dock (NJ), Stone Harbor Yacht Sales (NJ), Stripers and Anglers (NJ), T & A Tackle (NJ), The Fisherman, The Reel Seat (NJ), The Tackle Box (NJ), United Boatmen, NY & NJ, Viking Yacht Company.
Fishing Industries unite.
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