[dales529]

It is unfortunate that Tom decided to delete hie thread because it had 300 views and only 1 response. Here is a guy VOLUNTEER that spent 3 years of research and analysis on his own time and dime. The amount of views and responses to "drama" are huge compared to the real drama.

Tom sent emails to 130 members of the SSC (science and statistical committees), MC (monitoring committee), TC (technical committee), ASMFC, MAMFC and NJMFC and deserves a better response.

His data which he has posted here in numerous threads has gotten a little push back which we expected but has opened more dialogue among these committees than I have seen in years,

Having said that at today's webinar meeting:
The MC still does not recognize that the regs taking primarily female flounder is an issue in the biomass.

Slots were discussed but a slot would only increase harvest, increase mortality and mandate shorter seasons. Again the slots discussed were 17 to 19" again ignoring the gender issue.

The general consensus from the Committees is also that the system is broken, stock assessment is difficult , the Bigelow trawls system is as broken as the boat and MRIP data and I quote" is being used at fine scales for
which it was not designed, with high uncertainties in the estimates at these levels, increasing the uncertainty in the outcomes of the measures set"

As well the email trail has included responses from the commercial side with some very interesting facts and there are those that propose to work with recs as the system is broken.

While we cant give you a copy and paste to send as they only count the petition or same text letter as 1 public comment, we implore you to get on board with this and send comments.

At the very least support Tom's efforts here and we will try to provide a place for your comments to be heard