pectoralfin
05-18-2017, 07:26 PM
I have been corresponding with José L. Montañez, Ph.D.of the NMFS regarding the bluefish allocation. As of now, the recreational sector has about 85% of the total allowable catch(TAC). However if we do not catch our quota, it is given to the commercial sector.
"Transfers from the recreational sector to the commercial are allowed in the FMP as a means to avoid drastic fluctuations in the commercial fishery quotas (emphasis is mine). However, these transfers are only made if they do not adversely impact the recreational fishery.
The recreational landings data used to develop stock assessments and for monitoring and management purposes are considered best available data/science information and they are subject to rigorous quality control. Details regarding the recreational data collection protocol can be found at: https://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/recreational-fisheries/index
The Council and the ASMFC take into consideration biological, social, and economic aspects of these fisheries when evaluation transfers between sectors. Bluefish pounds transferred between the recreational/commercial sectors in this fishery have not limited the recreational sector ability to fish for this species. In fact, for the last 5 years (combined) as an example, the bluefish recreational landings have been about 18% below the recreational harvest limit."
Unless I am interpreting it wrong, if we don't catch our limit, it is given away. Part of their "best available data/science" is made by random phone calls to persons who live near the coast.
Regardless of their methodology, and reasoning, we are going to lose a major portion of our allotment. Fortunately (?) it cannot fall below 50%. This just,, in my opinion, a continuation of their effort to push recreational fishing out of the picture. And when has the NMFS ever taken the social and economic consequences of what they do into consideration?
"Transfers from the recreational sector to the commercial are allowed in the FMP as a means to avoid drastic fluctuations in the commercial fishery quotas (emphasis is mine). However, these transfers are only made if they do not adversely impact the recreational fishery.
The recreational landings data used to develop stock assessments and for monitoring and management purposes are considered best available data/science information and they are subject to rigorous quality control. Details regarding the recreational data collection protocol can be found at: https://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/recreational-fisheries/index
The Council and the ASMFC take into consideration biological, social, and economic aspects of these fisheries when evaluation transfers between sectors. Bluefish pounds transferred between the recreational/commercial sectors in this fishery have not limited the recreational sector ability to fish for this species. In fact, for the last 5 years (combined) as an example, the bluefish recreational landings have been about 18% below the recreational harvest limit."
Unless I am interpreting it wrong, if we don't catch our limit, it is given away. Part of their "best available data/science" is made by random phone calls to persons who live near the coast.
Regardless of their methodology, and reasoning, we are going to lose a major portion of our allotment. Fortunately (?) it cannot fall below 50%. This just,, in my opinion, a continuation of their effort to push recreational fishing out of the picture. And when has the NMFS ever taken the social and economic consequences of what they do into consideration?