Do Something!

[LandlockedinMI]

After being thoroughly ****ed off by the post about the commercial netting of BFT's IN CC Bay (is it true that the stunt driver in the Kennedy family owns a stake?), and reading about the Azzhulls getting a limp wristed slapping for illegally selling, labeling, and shlepping Stripers, I finally got off my tail. I signed up w/ CCA and Stripers Forever, even launching some hard earned capital at them.

I know this is a free country (or at least it was) and none of us like to be told anything BUT if you are a recreational fisherman and you use this resource, you better stand up and fight for it cuz the commercial guys are far better connected, organized and funded than us. And there is no evidence that I've seen or read demonstrating that the commercial guys will do ANYTHING for conservation unless it's shoved up their... I mean down their throats.

So what is it going to be? Sit around and whine about how unfair it all is and let commercial interests continue to get rich off of a resource we all have a right to OR do something, anything about it.

PS. If anyone has any better ideas on shoplifting the pooty back into the hands of the majority, I'd love to hear them (or at least be directed to the massive number of threads that have already covered this topic ad-naseum.)

Soapbox relinquished.

[Quicksilver]

I'm with you- CCA.

[Blackjack]

That's a good start - I also belong to CCA, but I think this calls for immediate and more extreme measures than CCA has historically been able to accomplish. Maybe we need to start a new, highly focused organization just to protect migratory tunoids (BFT, YFT, Bonito, Albies, etc.). The trick is finding the funding, the political angle and enough people who care.

[Ray]

Guys,

I think your enthusiasm is great. I will warn you though, the political portion of fighting with the government and commercial fisheries is overwhelming.

But doing, anything, something is better than nothing.

[LandlockedinMI]

I wish the board patrol hadn't moved this from the NE section. I haven't spent any time here compared to checking the NE board for reports/info and most people aren't going to come looking here for things to get ****ed off about!!! Why not just keep fishing? I get lot so good fish, it's just the greenpeace-niks w/ too much time disguised as PETA......

The politic are certainly overwhelming. If you haven't, check out S. Moon's politics board- strong group.

I am really suprised that there isn't a strong group for the recreational angler...after seriously considering starting ANOTHER group, I felt it would just further dilute any efforts currently being made.

From a neophyte view, it would seem to be a matter of money, time and traction (as stated above).

Can't imagine my children not being able to experience this and it could still be made better.

[SamRiley]

Originally posted by LandlockedinMI
I wish the board patrol hadn't moved this from the NE section. I haven't spent any time here compared to checking the NE board for reports/info and most people aren't going to come looking here for things to get ****ed off about

Sorry, but this is a conservation issue and so belongs here. I do think that your second sentence hit the nail on the head though. A major problem is the lack of readership on this forum.

Ray -
As a somebody in CCA, can you shed some light on what we Bluefin fishing wannabes can do to preserve the species? How does one specifically and effectively target the seine netters?

[Ray]

You need to lobby on Capital Hill. The one in Washington that is. There have been several Acts passed over the years, going way back too, to help conserve global migratory fish such as Tuna. I can try to get a copy of the presentation I saw in Houston last year. It was presented to the CCA National Board by our NSMFA board representative. It detailed all the various Congressional Acts.

To be perfectly honest with you guys, I would be more worried about what is happening in the South Pacific and Mediterranean Oceans. The annual Matanza is yielding fewer fish each year. I saw a show just the other night about the Australian Tuna Cowboys. These guys go into the SP and set out Tuna "pens". They herd large schools of Tuna into them for several weeks. Then tow the pens full of live Tuna into port for processing. I believe they said that particular years take was 25000 Tuna. That is about 1.25 million pounds, and that was just one boat.

Sorry I don't have more to offer.

In this state and many others, the commercial guys have all the pull. Whenever you are comparing the livelihood of families Vs. a sport for individual enjoyment, the Comm guys win in the political arena. But with enough influence, we can effect the overall outcome.

[Blackjack]

I saw that show on the "tuna cowboys" too. The show made them out to be brave, noble guys making a dangerous living from the sea. I saw them as another "me first" group taking 15,000 juvenile BFT per trip.

[Apache]

Have you guys read the book titled "Cod?" This read will give you some insight on the roots that go back to Mayflower days (and then some). What I'm saying is we (rec fisherman) are up against the old aristocracies (New England) who made their fortunes through the commercial fishing industry which evolved into other fortune making schemes.

The problem is a multi-headed beast. That is, you got the fight with the commercial guys. Then there is the government (getting them to pass protective legislation and then having to fight them over and over again on the interpretation of those same laws). And probably the worst thing is there is practically zero enforcement on a large scale (you can throw mud at Green Peace all you want-but they have done some good).

I find myself wanting to get involved but sometimes it is hard for us working stiffs to find the proper means to combat all these yeahoos. Meaning...Trying to find the right politician, and/or the right organization. Has anybody ever really research the so called Sportsman's Caucus ? Geeze what a croc! Look at some of the Reps and Senators who support this institution by their voting records when it comes to important issues that affects rec fishing. Issues such as the environment, big business and the like.

Rant Over,
Greg

[Mark Cahill]

a vibrant commercial halibut fishery on Stellwagen, Georges, etc. Now they are only seen as rare by catch.

[LandlockedinMI]

My shot at Greenpeace was not to throw mud but more a jab at their portrail in the liberal media (?!!). Yes, they actually do something and God bless em for it.

Ray- Freakin' Aussie Tuna Cowboys? How in the hell does the eco-freindly Aussie govt let that go? Can't believe it (not doubting it's occurance).

SO - why is it so tough to get rec guys to put their money, if not time, where their hearts are?

[Ray]

In my experience it comes down to my comment about livelihood in my previous post. The comm guys have been getting cut out of the only way they know how to make a living. No politician (whom I hate by the way) us going to vote to take more away.

There has actually been meeting where various rec groups haven't even been recognized. The Mass Comm Fishermans Assoc is a very strong (politacally) group.

Keep in mind folks, these issues go way beyond Striped Bass. Stripers are actually pretty low on the comm scale. Short season and high availability during that season. That means low per pound cost.