SAFMC at it again

[Slay Ride]

Went to the first open public meeting for amendment 14 of the SAFMC. They are proposing MPA's again all along our coast from FL to NC. 400 square miles total. And they admit the science is not there to back the closures. More public meetings are happening. When it comes to your area, show up. And in addition, write your comments and also send them to your legislator.


I personally think it's total BS that they want to protect "Deep Water Species" yet the MPA comes into 120 fsw or so. How many tilefish and snowy grouper would be seen in that depth. Ridiculous. And it's straight off our coast. So when we shoot fish beyond it we have to drive AROUND it to get home. Wasted time, money in fuel (not to mention more pollution).

What's your take on all this Denny?

[Slay Ride]

http://www.safmc.net/MPAInformationPage/tabid/469/Default.aspx

Here's the schedule for everyone.

[RichT]

Sure... It seems like MPS's may be a good idea on the surface but
MPS's Have not been proven conclusively to help anything!
One would think that if they were, then there would be conclusive scientific proof to back it up. There is none. :rolleyes:

On the other hand... Size and bag limits have been prooven to work for many, many years.

[Johnoly]

They tagged both a Port Canaveral area and a Jupiter area.

[Charlestondivin]

It seems the CCA has abandoned us on this one. They were not even at the meeting last night.

Denny Help!

[inletsurf]

Great, first the Oculina bank now more.

[Slay Ride]

I know where you're coming from Rich. We just need to show the people making these reg's the truth.

And they haven't even let the new size and aggregate limits take into affect. Then they'll be claiming the MPA's were the cause of the upslope in fish..........but it will have really been the limit regs. Very frustrating. Once it's gone it's gone. It will NEVER be opened up again. That's my main fear actually in the whole process.

[RichT]

Very frustrating. Once it's gone it's gone. It will NEVER be opened up again. That's my main fear actually in the whole process.

Les
Youve just hit on what Ive been trying to tell people why its so important to do something. Anything! Before its too late.
If everybody did a little, it would equal alot. :thumps:

[inletsurf]

See my post in the east coast section. We east coasters need to be more active in this fight. The additional MPA's and proposed Oculina bank re-evaluation for next year will significantly impact deep water bottom fishing for all of the Northern to Central Florida east coast.

[inletsurf]

It seems the CCA has abandoned us on this one. They were not even at the meeting last night.

Denny Help!


Its obvious that the FRA has its hands full in its own battles in the GOM. I don't know if they will be able to fight our battles over here, too. We need to consider forming a new organization, or locating an existing organization that is working the issue and pump support to them.

If the FRA can support the SAFMC issues also, maybe we can form several teams? Les and Rob can maybe cover the Carolinas. 100-days-a-year or Liberty hound or one of those fellas can maybe cover the North Florida areas. I can take care of Central FL, and John Herrera (kite) can maybe cover south florida. Just getting meeting presence would be a start. Hell, just getting someone to post the proposals before they become law would be great, too. This deep water restriction law is the first I've ever heard of it, and its already set to go into effect.

Just thoughts. Need actions. What and how I just don't know yet.

[Slay Ride]

I'd like to be of any help that I can. I do think education to the issues is vital. I have been only a voice of local common sense as of now. At this point any voice is good on our end.

I am man enough to say I personally would benefit from advise from people who have encountered these types of situations in the past. What are the tactics that are most effective? Who are the people who will be most influential in protecting our rights and freedom? What scientific data shows the best level of accuracy and influence?

Those are some of the things we need to strive to accomplish. And I don't necessarily know how to answer those questions. I have my opinions, yes. But are they correct, I have no idea.

Do you know of any organizations on the east coast that we could get some assistance out of or join in an aggressive manner to help?

[inletsurf]

I am man enough to say I personally would benefit from advise from people who have encountered these types of situations in the past. What are the tactics that are most effective? Who are the people who will be most influential in protecting our rights and freedom? What scientific data shows the best level of accuracy and influence?

I would benefit immensely as well. If the FRA or CCA needs help fighting the battle, I would at least like to pick up some of the burden from them. If they cannot, please show us how to fight!

[Slay Ride]

Absolutely agreed.

[Denny]

Sorry for the apparent inaction, guys.
Time to get the Atlantic Posse organized for mayhem.
I have just received a very valuable contribution: the time of others.
I now have more time to devote to slaying these damned dragons.
MPA's are unacceptable as a mangement tool. They are, however, a great PR and fundraising tool for the likes of Ocean Conservancy.

Les and Rob would be great to lead the mid-atlantic charge.
Tony and Steve could stay on top of things with the miami boyz, and we can all tell the council to GO FLY A KITE (kitefisherman, that is, for HMSAP).

It is time to have a few FRA local meetings. I am nowable to travel freely, as the old suburban had been replaced by a reliable FORD TRUCK FROM BILLY HOWELL FORD (shameless plug for FRA supporter).

You guys should all be proud of your part in making the FRA what it is. We have been doing some silent running for a while, and for good reason.
The problem is that revealing some of the 'activities' would jeopordize our progress. You all will be able to help by disseminating sensitive information to those who should know, while shielding the information from those who should not know.

[Screen Name]

How about this little jewel:

http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=553687