I think the SAFMC are idiots

Saltwater Offshore Reports
21
quote:
Originally posted by Grady18

I dont have any science or good explanation why but just seem that way to me.

NOTHING AGAINST YOU GRADY. I agree with you, but… your quote sounds like the methodology in which the SAFMC gets their data. They don’t have any “scientific” data to support their claims of overfishing. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that BSB’s ARS, and Grouper are more plentiful than ever and have been long before any of these new regulations were implemented. Went to a scoping meeting a few years ago and they kept referring to “the best available data” when quoting overfishing statistics and recreational catches. When I queried them one how they obtained their data, they could not/would not answer. I asked them if they actually spent time in a boat in the Jetties stopping fishermen coming back from offshore to ask them what they caught and how many, and they all gave the 30yd stare! While these meetings may seem to be or feel productive, it is only productive for the SAFMC as they are required to have a certain number of “public forums,” if you will, to satisfy the gov’t policy before implementing new regulations. They already have their minds made up before the meetings, or else there wouldn’t be a need for the meeting! Seriously, are they going to have a meeting about how long the BSB, Grouper, ARS season should be, and then someone in the corner says “you know, I wish we could catch more BSB’s” and then all of a sudden the subject changes to catch limits for BSBs? I doubt it.

22
quote:
Originally posted by FishnBarrels

Contrary to Bugcatcher and many others ignorance they actually DO want our (recreational fisherman) input. This last meeting at Haddrells was the most open, positive, and approachable meeting you could have ever gone to. They WANT to work with US for better solutions. It may not have crossed your minds…but the people running the meetings actually have a family, bills, time constraints as well, so although saturdays or sundays would be best for many people, 6-8:30 at night is quite accommodating taking all variables into account. Just b/c its govt doesn’t mean they have a giant budget to work with, which would allow for overtime pay for many people to do this on weekends. The meetings were planned and advertised well in advance. I clearly don’t work for SAFMC and I only want to help the future of the fisheries and our right to fish as “free” Americans. But many on here need to buy a passport and a plane ticket or whatever will help them/you have more of an open mind to these issues and how to work together to solve the problems. 90% of the people at the meeting were people with business (local/federal) involvement and there were maybe 3 other rec/non $ interested people there. Get on SAFMC.net and sign up for the emails if you need more info on when these meetings are. The emails are quite helpful with any updates on rules change and notice well in advance for upcoming meetings all over the East Coast. Many people on here complain about “just getting by” or “work conflicts” as excuses for not coming to the meetings, but you know (**() well you would get out of work to go fishing and spend $ on fishing. The thought of making a sacrifice to attend the meetings might seem wild and crazy, but if you want to fish 10 years from now and have thoughts on ways to help manage a healthy fishery then get off work and get it done!

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