Look at who is writing our laws!!

[Spearchucker]

2003-329 GULF OF MEXICO FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL ADVISOR CHARGED WITH VIOLATING RED SNAPPER REGULATIONS
Commercial representative for the red snapper advisory panel for the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC), Russell G. Underwood, 49, of Florida was charged November 2 with violating commission rules and regulations for taking undersize commercial red snapper and violating prohibitions of interstate commerce regulations.
The Special Investigative Unit of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division charged Underwood, captain of the fishing vessel Norman B, homeport of Lynn Haven, Florida, for the violations in Vermillion Parish. The offenses allege that Underwood caught, possessed and was attempting to sell in interstate commerce approximately 96 undersized red snapper.

The penalty for commercially taking and possessing undersized red snapper caries a fine of up to $350, jail for not more than 60 days, or both. The penalty for attempting to sell undersized red snapper in interstate commerce carries a penalty of up to $950 in jail, jail for not more than 120 days, or both. Underwood may also be required to pay restitution for the undersized red snapper.

Underwood has represented the commercial industry on the GMFMC Red Snapper Advisory Panel for several years.

Agents participating in the case were Sr. Agent Billy Gomillion and Cadet Joel Cromp.

[Denny]

Surprised? I'm not. You should have seen how close a Gulf Coucil member is to SOFA, the long line industry gang. The Council member is, herself, a long liner. The commercial industry is interwoven with various council members. It's going to be a long fight.

[Slay Ride]

Met a guy at the SAFMC the other night. He's a commerial fisherman and his WIFE is on the council. hhmmmmm........Sometimes you have to wonder where the best interest truly lies.

[ogredive]

Do the words "Conflict of Interest" or "unethical" mean anything anymore?

[Spear One]

The councils are required to have representaion from all concerned fishing groups. There is nothing clandestine about this, it is required by law!

[Hogfish1]

Concerned is one thing, but that kind of representation is a "conflict of intrest". Follow the money! the big boys and girls are trying to grab a large catch history so when the IFQ's come out they are in a good position to take advantage of the situation.

[eyyeball]

I don't like the longline industry one bit but I have to say that Spearone is right on the "money" here, they are playing by the rules that the government set up for these councils. It seems to me that the REAL solution here is to make sure that the recreational side is represented with more vigor and that the councils are held accountable for using accurate science for their regulatory actions.

[Spear One]

eyyeball, rogers on that!

[Denny]

Here comes that representation! Can you say FRA?

[Denny]

And your are right, Spearone. They are playing by the rules. So will we.

[junior]

Anybody know if Underwood lost his commercial fishing license and position with the council? That seems like the most appropriate punishment for that level of disregard for the law. We should not have individuals such as Underwood anywhere near our resources!!:mad:

[Spear One]

They usually just fine them big $$$ and possible a one year sanction on their permit. They usually only take the permits away on multiple/habitual offenders! Yeah, I know, but thats how it is.