The key to stopping catch shares in commercial fisheries while keeping it from spreading to the recreational sector is offering alternative solutions to solve the problems that have been CREATED to advance catch shares. We need to offer positive solutions to end the dangerous derby fisheries that result in multiple extended closures and excessive regulatory discards. The only way these solutions will be implemented is if enough concerned citizens publicly support them. Please consider sending a copy of the comments below along with a statement of support to this public comment email address before August 18. SGRegAm14Comments@safmc.net Write your own comments if you wish. You are welcome to use parts of my comments. Please also think about attending the upcoming SAFMC scoping meeting on Tuesday, August 13 at the Hilton Garden Inn 5265 International Boulevard North Charleston, SC 29418. This is your chance to take a stand against catch shares. My goal is to get 300 people to attend the meeting. Please think of this like the Fishermen’s Rallies in Washington, but closer and easier to attend.
SAFMC Regulatory Amendment 14 Public Comments
I am Chris McCaffity, a commercial fisherman who has been offering simple solutions that would almost eliminate the MILLION+ pounds of dead regulatory discards currently being deducted from our quotas every year. This waste has gone on for years as the council drags its collective feet on solving the problem while rushing unnecessary amendments. This waste helps EDF advance their catch share agenda as they lobby to stack the council deck with supporters of their scheme to privative our public resources. Fishermen should have final approval of who represents us on the council and any new regulations with a 2/3 majority vote of participating permit holders in the affected fishery. Here is how most fishermen want our fishery managed.
A multi-species fishery needs to be managed so everything is legal at the same time as we target fish with higher limits. Since May 1 is the en
These fish that are so apparently in need of protection cannot have a population less decimated by floating on the top of the ocean wasted entirely than if an angler was allowed to take one home. If there were not useless regulations then you wouldnt have all the regulatory discards. Which in plain everyday english means fish that we are forcing our sportsmen to WASTE!!
What time is the meeting on tuesday 13th? Every single person on this forum should attend this meeting
The meeting starts at 4:00pm and ends at 7:00pm. You can come any time during that period to give comments. I will try to be there a couple of hours early to talk with anyone interested in discussing ways we can more effectively defend our freedom to fish. Everyone that shows up needs to let the council know they oppose allocating 500,000+ pounds of Red Snapper to dead discards and closing traditional fishing grounds like the Georgetown Hump. Please invite your state legislators and members of congress as well as the local media.
Maybe we can get 1% of 300 people to attend the meeting.
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Originally posted by freefish7
Maybe we can get 1% of 300 people to attend the meeting.
if i was local i would be at everyone of them,but closing my business for a day and driving 3 hrs 1 way is not a good business decision for me…
i appreciate the everyone who can and do go these meetings.
Gut Wrench, please submit public comments if you cannot attend the meeting. Please also send the comments to your state and federal legislators. There are ways to help even if you cannot attend the council meetings. I would be happy to send you some postcard petitions that are addressed to the SAFMC opposing closures of traditional fishing grounds if you would like to have some of your staff, family, friends, and/or customers sign them. Please also consider selling some the calendars I use to fund my fight at your business. I am trying to raise the money to go to the Charleston SAFMC scoping meeting. You can see the pictures at this link. ttp://www.freefish7.com/natural-art.html
Let me know if you want to get a few at the wholesale price. Thank you.