Notice: Important Gulf Fisheries issue

[Steel Shootin']

Please take note of the following email I got from Capt. Rich Taylor, which is self explanatory. I strongly encourage each of you to pen letters in support of Capt. William Ward. I'm sure Capt. Rich can probably answer any follow-up questions.

Thank you Capt. Rich for the time you put in on these issues!

Scott,
I would like to post some very important information regarding the future of our fisherys.
As you may now the St. Pete Underwater Club has always been at the fore-front of any and all proposed legislation regarding our fisherys and their management.
One of the main ways we have been able to stay so informed is because of one dedicated individual named Capt.William Ward
(Willie) Capt. Ward is not a member of the underwater club but regularly comes to our meetings to keep us abreast of what is going on in the sleazy world of fisherys management.
Willie is attempting to be appointed to the board of the Gulf of Mexico Fisherys management Council.
Willie is the owner/operator of captains finest seafood inc.
He is a bandit type fisherman which is a traditional hook, line and fishing pole type fisherman.
He is a 3rd generation fisherman and has a great respect for the ocean and its inhabitants.
Willie is well versed in all the issues facing fisherys managers and brings sufficient depth and breadth of experience to insure that critical expertise and insight are woven into the management process.
He is also one of the most honest and trustworthy people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
We have a great opportunity to get someone who will work for the resource rather than for the longline industry, which appears to be bent on either wiping out the resource or at the least,attempting to keep as much control of the resource in their own hands as possible.
He is going up against Karen Bell. Karen Bell own a fish house and 9 longline boats and has always been vehemently opposed to anything that would effect the longline industry.
The only way we can get Willie appointed is to get letters of recommendation to the 4 people who will be making that decision.
Willie has asked that people please send letters of recommendation along with a brief phone call voicing your support. In addition, state who you are, and even better if you represent a group or organization.
Willie is going for a COMMERCIAL seat so it is important that people not minimize their experience when writing these letters and do not send form letters.
If you sell fish,charter ,or work in the marine industry in any form it is extremely important that those individuals write.
But it doesnt matter who you are as long as you can write some sort of letter of support.
We have a great opportunity to get someone who will work for the resource, rather than for the longline industry which appears to be bent on either wiping out the resource or at the least,attempting to keep as much control of the resource in their own hands as possible.
I can fax more information about William Ward and his Philosophy Statement or give his phone number to any individuals wishing to speak with him directly.
Thank You,
Capt. Rich Taylor
President St. Pete Underwater Club
Below are the names and addresses of the individuals making the decision. All letters MUST be to them before may 21st.

1. Dr Roy Crabtree:National marine Fishery service South east Regional Office
9721 Executive Center Drive North
St. Petersburg,Fl 33702
727-570-5304
2. Dr. Bill Hogarth:Assistant head Administrator for fisheries
1315 East-West Highway
Silver Springs Maryland 20910
301-713-2239
3. Jack Dunnigan: Dorector office of sustainable National marine Fish Sercices
1315 East-West Highway
Silver Springs,Maryland 20910
4. Ken Haddad: Executive Director
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision
620 South Meridian Street
Tallahassee Fl.32399-1600
850-487-3796.