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Fisheries issues 2008, Looking Back, Pushing Forward
Last year was quite a learning experience for those of us that are following the fisheries management issues and the SAFMC in general. I would like to thank the CFOA club for supporting me with some of the direct expenses, and more importantly, the encouragement and help that has come from both the leadership and members. There is a lot going on behind the scenes, and CFOA continues to be one of the driving forces. Thanks for you help. Please keep supporting CFOA, they are making a difference.
Things we have seen and learned…
You and your voice do make a difference. Not all of us have been able to attend the public meetings, but many have forwarded their comments electronically, and in either case you are making a difference. We started doing online comments that have gone out to key people in the fisheries management system, and you have been heard. It was the public voice that made the FWC of Florida decide to not support the most recent interim rules, and that cascaded into them being tabled, for now. Comments you have made showed up in the transcripts of some of the meetings as the snapper/grouper advisory panel has met and discussed the current fisheries status. You are being heard, and it is making a difference.
This is going to be a long-term effort. About 2 years ago, I talked to a SAFMC council member who invited me to get involved in the system, but warned me that if any change was going to happen, it would take many years. He is right. It is going to take time and constant input from recreational anglers to help them. This is not a battle against a specific closure or rule. This is an attempt to reform a fisheries management system that has a big job, and big problems. Like steering a leaking supertanker, it takes time to fix the leaks and turn it around, but if I didn’t think it was possible, I would of quit by now.
We are not in this alone. One of the most encouraging things I have seen lately is the interest others are showing in fisheries management issues from all over the state, and even in other states. Media, fishing clubs, charter captains and fishing forums/communities seem to be taking an interest, and getting involved. The interim closure rules have seemed to be a catalyst in getting people informed and involved. We aren’t the only ones that think the system is broken, and we have many allies.
What’s next?
We have a new set of players. This election cycle is putting some new faces in congress and in the administration, in particular, NOAA. We will begin to reach out to these folks, and make contact. It is hard to predict what direction or bias the new folks will take, but we have to be heard, because there are many other voices speaking to these issues. The comments forms will start expanding out to these folks.
We have some new friends and need to make more. We need to continue to inform and encourage our fellow anglers about upcoming opportunities to make a difference. You will be seeing more information in print, on the net, the radio, and other places in 2009. Many allies have been made, and we need more.
Finally, more meetings, more online comments forms, and most importantly, fishing with family and friends. Thanks again for the help and encouragement. May you have a safe and prosperous 2009.
Capt John Barber
© Copyright 2003 by Deep-Blue-Sea.org
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