Quote:
Originally Posted by dakota560
Detour I thought it was two options but understand your point. NMFS has ONLY attempted to manage this fishery by focusing on catch through size increases, possession limit reductions, shortened seasons or reduced overall quotas. It was working to some degree until they broached the high 16" / 17" size limit, then everything went to hell. Prior to that as their data shows, the balance between reduced catch from the early to mid 80's coupled with relatively strong reproduction numbers the biomass responded very favorably through 2002. When they continued increasing size limits beyond that point with the intent again of reducing catch, they created the unintended consequence of changing the gender composition of the biomass destroying egg reproduction in the process. Add to that what's happening with commercials and that's why the fishery is suffering.
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I have read what you are saying by many anglers and captains on almost every fishing site. And it makes sense to me. Now why doesn't it make sense to the NMFS with there size increase and possession limit policy? That is the real question and should be addressed! It seems to me if this bad policy isn't fixed the Fluke stocks will continue to decline and not at the fault of the hook and line fisherman!
