Striped Bass Alert

[finchaser]

Recreational Fishing Alliance Contact: Jim Hutchinson, Jr. / 888-564-6732
For Immediate Release October 1, 2010

RFA ALERT - STRIPED BASS COMMENTS DUE TODAY
ASMFC Considering Plan To Increase Commercial Harvest Of Striped Bass

(10/01/2010) Despite protest from the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) and its allies in the recreational fishing sector, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) surprised everyone in the angling community earlier this year by voting to include a proposal to increase commercial striped bass harvest within Draft Addendum II for public hearings.

The purpose of the draft addendum is specifically to consider options to increase the coastal commercial quota of striped bass and revise the definition of striped bass recruitment failure. The RFA is opposed to increasing the commercial striped bass harvest.

After several public hearings held throughout the Atlantic States during the summer, public comments to the ASMFC are officially due by the end of the day today, October 1, 2010. Fishermen and other interested groups who've not yet commented are encouraged to provide input on the Draft Addendum by providing written comments via fax directly to Nichola Meserve, FMP Coordinator, 1444 Eye Street, NW, Sixth Floor, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 289-6051 (FAX) or at nmeserve@asmfc.org (Subject line: Striped Bass Addendum II).

The RFA has posted a letter which members can use in PDF form at www.joinrfa.org/press/StripedBassCommentsDue100110.pdf - simply download and print the letter, sign, fill out your contact information and fax today before 5 PM (EST) to (202) 289-6051.

If you'd like to protect future striped bass stocks, make sure your comments are received today before the 5 p.m. deadline!

[jigfreak]

Just did it, thanks.

[cowherder]

Ditto, thanks for posting. Thank God for fax machines at work!

[finchaser]

Totally amazing as of 6pm 61 people can view a total BS post on how to fish a Northeaster but only 11 people can view this post to stop commercial netting. thank you to the 2 who did something.

People are more interested in how to catch them than save them. IMO if you have to read how to fish a NE storm god bless you. When there gone again remember you had no time.

And if any one takes offense to this

[BassBuddah]

People are more interested in how to catch them than save them. When there gone again remember you had no time.

And if any one takes offense to this

The age-old dilemma of priorities, finchaser.

We had trouble getting interest when they closed down fishing at Shoreham beach. A lot of folks I talked to said "how does this apply to me, I don't fish there!". What people need to understand is that the actions in one area that effect fishermen will eventually come around to cause trouble for the rest. Many people don't have the foresight to see that. I am sorry I did not see this before the deadline. Thank you for your diligence.

[stripermania]

People don't seem to get involved unless it effects their immedate area. Striped bass fishing IMO is still looked at by many as being plenty out there for everyone. What they fail to realize is that if the commercials get their hands on the bass they will be depleted very quickly. The recreationals who stood by and watched will be left standing with their hands on their **** wondering what went wrong.

[clamchucker]

Striped bass fishing IMO is still looked at by many as being plenty out there for everyone. What they fail to realize is that if the commercials get their hands on the bass they will be depleted very quickly.

These are some very valid points here. Thanks for the notice Finchaser, sorry I did not see this.