My letter to SAFMC !!

[pelagic hunter]

Dear Colleagues,

Please allow me to voice my concern over the recent closure of certain areas of our oceans to protect the red snapper fishery. I understand that according to the recent data the numbers of red snapper are much smaller than in previous years. What those accurate numbers are has yet to be determined. The vague data that is currently available is very controversial at best. The public understands that a decision will be made to protect and hopefully replenish the stock of red snapper. We urge you to please avoid making any drastic initial measure until the data is introduced next year which will more accurately reflect the true state of our red snapper fishery.

In addition, I agree that many juvenile red snappers are killed as by catch by during hook and line fishing. However, spear fishing is a highly selective way of harvesting fish without any by catch or mortality to other fish. I believe it is in the best interest of our economy, as well as the citizens of the states which your represent, to allow spearfishing to continue.

With great certainty, thousands of families will be forced into bankruptcy, hundreds if not thousands of businesses will close, and you will see a tremendous impact on the economies of the areas which this ammendment will impact.

Please consider what I have voiced in my email. You will understand that it is very reasonable, and it will allow some business and families to continue to survive, in an economy that is already plagued by recession and financial turmoil.

Sincerely,