Call to Arms!
26 Feb 2009
The United States Commerce Department (NOAA/NMFS) is considering reducing the US tuna quota and giving it to other countries because we have not met our catch quota in past years. The reason we have not met quotas is due in part that we are restricted by the NMFS in terms of size, season, and means for taking tuna.. For example, in the US , commercial fisherman are only allowed to take fish 73" and greater while these other countries take fish 45" for commercial quota fullfillment. While we work to rebuild the stocks here, these other countries are decimating the same fish and now they want to take ours as well. For this effort the US fisheman is being punished. If this proposal goes through there will be up to a 50% reduction in the US tuna quota by 2011 and this reduction will be for both commercial and recreational fisherman.
For those interested in reading the entire proposal it many be found here in the Federal Register
What YOU CAN DO to Help !
The NMFS is holding a public hearing on this matter on March 4th, 2009 from 3-5 PM at its headquarters in Gloucester at 55 Great Republic Drive. Tuna fisherman, whether commercial or recreational, should make every effort to attend this meeting and let the NMFS know we dont want our quota reduced and given to another foreign country. Let the NMFS that you do not approve of hurting our economy and destroying our tuna fishery by giving away quota to. Instead they should develop regulations that will allow us to meet our quota and not tie our hands with regulations that no other country is required to observe.
For those unable to attend this meeting you may submit a comment with the identifier "0648-AX12" through one of these portals:
Electronic Submission: HERE
Fax: 978-281-9340 attn: Sarah McLaughlin
Email: sarah.mclaughlin@NOAA.gov
Mail: Sarah McLaughlin, HMS Management Div, NMFS, 55 Great Republic Rd, Gloucester, MA 01930.
You may also write to your US Congressman and Senators and tell them you do not want the United States to give away our quotas to other countries especially in these hard economic times.
Remember, once the quota is given away it is doubtful we will ever gain it back....the decision is yours
Thanks for your help.
Capt. George
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Capt. George
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