[Gerry Zagorski]

Well I think Rik was not prepared for the reception he got tonight in Red Bank. He was greeting by a bit skeptical and sometimes angry group of around 2 to 300 fisherman. It was quite a turn out so much so they exceeded the capacity of the room where the meeting was being held and people were only allowed in when someone came out.

I almost felt sorry for Rik as he was definitely on the back of his heels all night with people coming at him form every corner of the room voicing opposition and questioning his motives. At the end of the day, I think his heart is in the right place and is very sincere about wanting to improve the quality and the envioroment of the area as we all do. However, as it was pointed out by several people, we don't need the Feds to accomplish that and everyone is very skeptical as to what could happen if they get control of the area and started to limit access to fishing, boating, clamming, crabbing etc.

I had the opportunity to meet and speak with Jim Donofrio the from the RFA there. He's seen this sort of thing time and time again... Marine Sanctuaries typically lead to restricted access to fishing and we need to stop this things in its tracks.

It's my understanding that this meeting was to get some public feedback before submitting the application for the Marine Sanctuary since local support is nessecary for consideration. I don't think Rik got the support he was looking for at this meeting. I think he heard the message loud and clear that he would have some major opposition on his hands if he and anyone else continued to persue the Sanctuary designation.

More to follow I'm sure and great to see everyone out there in force today.