RFA TO TESTIFY ON BEHALF OF RECREATIONAL FISHERMEN
Congressional Subcommittee To Hear Testimony On Catch Shares
April 21, 2010 - On Thursday, April 22 at 10 a.m., the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) will once again make its opposition to catch shares in the recreational sector perfectly clear. When it comes to privatizing the nation’s fisheries under the guise of a new fisheries management tool, no means no!
“This is a fact that cannot be compromised,” said Jim Donofrio in advance of his expected testimony before Congress on Thursday. “We do not want any discussion on any program that compromises traditional open access of seasons, size limits and bag limits.”
The Congressional Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife will convene a special hearing on Earth Day to review the implementation of catch shares and individual fishing quotas. Led by Del. Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU), A Community Perspective on Catch Shares will feature testimony from key members of the fishing and conservation community. Donofrio said that since being invited on April 5th to testify, he’s had plenty of opportunity to talk with other members of the coastal fishing community. “Our individual members and our closest allies in the recreational sector have all said the same thing, no way, no how,” Donofrio said.
“We don’t have the luxury of being able to compromise away the rights of coastal stakeholders, our mission statement doesn’t accept it and our core beliefs won’t allow it,” Donofrio added.
The RFA has already submitted written testimony to the Committee staff on behalf of the Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA), Fishing Rights Alliance, United Boatmen and United Boatmen of New York, Maryland Saltwater Sportsmen’s Association (MSSA), National Association of Charterboat Operators (NACO), Conservation Cooperative of Gulf Fishermen (CCGF), Southern Kingfish Association (SKA), New York Sportfishing Federation, and New York Fishing Tackle Trade Association, as well as the RFA. Don