The Weather Channel Premieres New Series "Reef Wranglers"

[njdiver]

We’re excited to introduce you to our new series “Reef Wranglers,” premiering Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 9 p.m. ET.

http://www.reefmaker.com/news/2012/the-weather-channel-premieres-three-new-series-reefmakers

[SaltLife1980]

i will have to check it out.. sounds good!

[Capt Joe]

"Often battling hurricane-force winds, these men and women risk life and limb to sink custom reef systems to enhance the Gulf of Mexico’s ecosystem."

Now....why would one risk life and limb to sink something on a reef? Maybe wait till the weather gets nice like the Jersey "reefers" do?:eek: :D :D :D
OY VEY!

[Chico]

Alabama has by far the best reef building program/history in the Gulf, maybe the US. They have one of the highest catch rates for red snapper, and 99.9% are from artificial reefs!!! This is what NJ and the whole mid atlantic needs to do to sustain the nearshore seabass, tog populations.

[italianfisherman]

Alabama has by far the best reef building program/history in the Gulf, maybe the US. They have one of the highest catch rates for red snapper, and 99.9% are from artificial reefs!!! This is what NJ and the whole mid atlantic needs to do to sustain the nearshore seabass, tog populations.
AGREE, the ny/nj bight area dont have any new artificial reefs and we sure can use them here..

[njdiver]

The Mid-Atlantic Region may never get another new reef nor be able to maintain what was already placed unless the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council grants Delaware's application for Special Management Zones for their reefs in the EEZ. What is at stake is their funding from the Sport Fish Restoration Program. New Jersey’s funding was terminated back in 2011 because we failed to restrict fixed gear from our reefs. Delaware will suffer the same fate if they cannot obtain the SMZ status for their reefs in the EEZ as they have protected their reefs in state waters. The MAFMC’s decision next Wednesday will only be the first step. If it is approved a positive recommendation will be forwarded to the NMFS Regional Administrator for his approval or denial. If approved, a proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register for public comment. If the NMFS Regional Administrator rejects it outright, there has to be some explanation why. It is a long process and this is the first SMZ request before the MAFMC. There are 51 SMZs in other Regions around the US restricting gear types on artificial reefs. If this request fails, Delaware will lose their SFRP funding, effectively killing their reef program and nailing the lid on the coffin of NJ’s.

Although public comment closed back on January 29th, for the options on Delaware’s request for SMZs, you can contact your Federal Representatives to write the MAFMC asking for approval for this request. Their letters will have an impact. Here is the information on the Council’s agenda for next Wednesday:

Council Meeting in Hampton, VA: February 12-14, 2013
The public is invited to attend the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's February 2013 meeting to be held at Embassy Suites Hampton Roads, 1700 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA 23666, phone 757-827-8200. Below is the meeting agenda.

NOTE: For online access to the meeting, register at:

https://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/Council.


Wednesday, February 13

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Special Management Zones (SMZs)

Review public hearings comments on options for designating Delaware's permitted reef sites in the EEZ as SMZs

Develop recommendations to the Regional Administrator
http://mafmc.org/press/2013/pr13_02_February_Council_Agenda.pdf