A serious issue that needs everyone's attention!!

[richhermes]

Please visit these threads and read them thoroughly. Our sport is in danger of being severely limited!!

http://www.spearboard.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=12973#post12973

A little commentary from D4B,
http://www.spearboard.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1389

[fernandezh]

I've already sent an Email to Mr. Steele, and I am drafting up a letter to my congressmen and state legislators. Everybody needs to do the same to voice their opinions. Remember, the sqeeky wheel gets the grease.


Hector

[richhermes]

Post your final draft Hector and we'll all send it to the proper people!!

[fernandezh]

hey guys,
Here is my draft letter. Take a look at it and let me know what needs to be changed/added to it and I'll fix it. Afterwards, I plan on sending it to every state senator and congressman by fax and mail.


Hector

Here it is, take a look and let me know what you think:

Hector Fernandez
street address
city, state, zip

Congressman_______,
I am writing in regards to the recent impractical push by long line fishermen to have the Florida fish harvest limits be increased to better suit their needs in the name of increasing profits. These long liners are supported by the Southern Offshore Fishing Association (SOFA). SOFA is a powerful commercial fishing lobby that primarily represents the interests of the few long line fishermen. To offset their gains and the significant negative impact they will have upon current fish stocks SOFA is proposing that commercial and recreational limits of red grouper as well as several other grouper species be significantly decreased. If these long liners get their way, fishing for the average commercial and recreational fisherman will be on a seasonal basis and would do serious harm to the multi-million dollar commercial and recreational fishing/diving industry upon which many of your voters rely on.
In a time of national economic turmoil, such restrictions will surely result in money that fishing-tourism brought into the state of Florida going to neighboring gulf states or even Caribbean nations that did not subjugate themselves to the pressures of long line fishermen. If SOFA gets their way, this will undoubtedly have a negative effect upon other tourist-related industries within the state. Even a minor increase in the catch limits of long line fishermen will have serious detrimental impacts upon the environment, as their fishing methods are indiscriminant in the size or species of their catches. The harmful effects upon the environment that long line fishing are well documented and indisputable. This fact will definitely catch the attention of various environmental groups who are carefully watching which side of this issue you decide to make a stance on.
I implore you not to succumb to the political pressure of SOFA and support your voters who need you to fight for them and the future of Florida’s state fish-related tourism. I ask that you vote against any proposed increase in long line catch limits. Your assistance and support in the fight against long line fishing will be appreciated.



Your Concerned Constituent,


Hector Fernandez




the links below have the contact information of every state congressmen there is:

http://www.flsenate.gov/Legislators/index.cfm?Chamber=Senate&Submenu=1&Tab=Legislators

http://www.myfloridahouse.com/Legislators.aspx

[IyaDiver]

Hector,

I am not from ur neighbourhood but the fishing based business or everything related to sport fishing, may it be line ( the most ) or by scuba hunting is so huge in Florida. Take a look at Hatterras, Viking, Ocean Yacht and all other major sportfishing boats builders, at least a major part of their client bought boats to fish for pleasure, not only cruise around. I think Florida overall housed many of these boats and a billion dollar business is not too big a figure. Put that extra 3 zeros to excite your congressman.

IYA

[fernandezh]

Nee How MA Iya!
(How are you in chinese),

I'll add that on my yellow skinned Brother, Thanks for the advice.


Hector

[Dive4Blood]

Nice job Hector (my Hispanic brother!!!!:D )

AJ Suarez

[subdude]

Correct me if I am wrong but this stuff does NOT need to go to the State congressman from your district but to the rep from the Fl State Legislature.

Look Here for Florida Senate: http://www.flsenate.gov/Legislators/index.cfm?Members=By+County&Tab=Legislators&Submenu=1&NewSelection=Go

Here for House (this one is down right now)
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/house/index.html

subdude

[fernandezh]

Aren't we talking about the same people? The state congressmen serve on the State legislature. State Congressmen is another word for representative and/or Senator. A state representative serves only on the state house. Am I splitting hairs here?

[subdude]

Not hair splitting at all, I saw "Congressman" in the greeting of your letter and made an assumption.

WOOPS!

Mondays!!

My Bad!!!

Anyway, people will often send shit to the federal rep when it needs to go to the state weasles.

subdude