Its long and complicated simply put the National Marine Fisheries is in the process of developing Admendment 16 which will establish regulations for the cod fishing in the future.  If the NMFS uses the scientific data from the 2001-2006 defined period absolutely no change in the current regulations governing recreational (both private and charter/party boat) will be needed.  This period reflects that through the conservation methods we have undertaken, the cod and haddock stocks are recovering and the biomass is being rebuilt on schedule. However, there a some in the government who would like the defined period to cover 1996-2006.  This period of time includes a historically low point in the cycle (1996-2000) during which current conservation methods were not employed thus producing a skewing of the value of what today is actually a strong biomass.  If this period is selected various options to reduce cod/haddock mortallity including the reduction in bag limit to 6 cod per person.  If this occures it will mark the death of the charter boat industry as there is no way anyone will want to charter a boat with the prospect of only being allowed to take 6 codfish per day...even I would't pay for the fuel to go after only 6 fish.

What can you do.

Please write an email  such as the following sample to any or all or the following people and let them know that you want the defined data period to be 2001-2006 which means there will be no change in the current regulations.

Send to multsamendment16@noaa.gov
Subject line: “DEIS for Amendment 16 to the Northeast Multispecies FMP”


To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to voice my opinion and concerns on the DEIS for Amendment 16 of the Northeast Multispecies FMP. In regards to this matter, the first and foremost consideration is the allocation years that should be used in basing this decision. I support the utilization of the years 2001 – 2006, as this is best representation of the recent impact that recreational fishing has on the overall stocks concerning groundfish populations within the GOM.

Using the allocation years from 2001 through 2006, there is no need to change the current size, bag limits or seasons for fishing Gulf of Maine (GOM) cod. Additionally, utilizing the years 2001 – 2006 would also allow the minimum size for GOM haddock be reduced to 18 inches. Using data that would include the years 1996 – 2001 is antiquated in its concept, as decisions today should be based on the real-time information that current research technologies allow.

Should the New England Fisheries Management Council decide to use the allocation years 1996 –2006, and a reduction is necessary in GOM cod and haddock bag limits, possession limits and seasons, then I strongly endorse Option Number Three for cod (which is a closed season Nov 1 April 15 – no size/possession changes) and Option Number One for haddock (increases GOM haddock size limit to 21” - no season or bag limit).

As the latest available data from 2001 – 2006 demonstrate a sustainable level to the stocks present, then the economic impact that the different options have on the charter boats and local amenities (hotels, motels, restaurants, gas stations, bait supplies, etc.) must be evaluated. The other options that restrict bag limits or increase size limits would have a significant negative impact on said economies as less people would invest the capital to fish these stocks. These local economies are already experiencing a negative impact due to the national and global economic situation, and further strain is unjustified and unwarranted.

In closing, please hear my voice – use the 2001 – 2006 allocation data and make no changes to the current size, bag limits or seasons for fishing Gulf of Maine (GOM) cod; additionally, please reduce the minimum size for GOM haddock to 18 inches. However, should the allocation years 1996 – 2006 be considered, please vote for Option Number Three for cod and Option Number One for haddock.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

(your name)
 

It does not matter where you live (I know many people read these reports from around the US) Please take the time to send an email today.  NMFS is very sensitive to public comment and I hope they hear the screaming in their ears the next few days.  All comments must be received by June 6th so please write today

Thanks for your help.

Tight lines,

Capt George