Interesting if you review the same chart comparing SSB and Recruitment statistics between 1982 to present from Addendum XXVlll (top graph) and 66th SAW (bottom graph), the data is directionally and relatively the same but the numbers on the Y axis are completely different regarding SSB (mt, metric tons) and recruitment (age 0, 000's). I can understand thresh hold target levels changing but how does historical metric tons of SSB and recruitment statistics change, it's the same chart just updated from 2015 to 2017.

Example, solid black line is SSB. Top chart has it reaching it's highest level around 2002 at ~50,000 metric tons. Updated chart in the 66th SAW (bottom chart) has it at ~70,000 metric tons in 2002. The entire scale on both Y axis has changed between versions which I believe not to be possible.

Doesn't change the fact that recruitment has been completely destroyed, just pointing out numbers which in my opinion should be identical to previously published numbers have changed in this latest release.

A more global view of the attached charts to support my theories. The vertical bars represent egg production. The solid black line is SSB. When the bars exceed the black line, we're getting more egg production out of the biomass. When the bars drop below the solid line, we're getting less overall relative egg production. Every year before 2002 egg production exceeded the SSB line. Every year after 2002, egg production was under the SSB line meaning weaker egg production relative to the biomass and the gap has widened from 2003 to current. The crossover point in 2002 was when the size limit was increased to 16.5" in NJ and 17" in NY and Ct. Recruitment continued to weaken as size limit increases continued almost every year to where they are today. Doesn't take a genius to see the fishery responded adversely to the regulations adopted between 2003 and current while SSB grew exponentially (600%) with the regulations in place between 1989 and 2002. There's a saying we're all very familiar with "Never leave fish to find fish". Same principle applies here. Why change regulations that proved successful for a 13-yr period ranging from 1989 to 2002 to regulations which have failed the fishery for the past 16 years since. Senseless.

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