Why wouldn't the same logic apply to every commercial operation as well. There's a comparable number of people working charters plus fares as there are working on commercial trawlers and some of the larger vessels probably have as many employees working as the numbers sailing during the week on party boats. If the for hire and party boat fleet gets closed down, the entire commercial fleet should be closed down up and down the eastern seaboard for precisely the same reason. Instead they propose increases to trip limits so commercials can bring in more tonnage over less trips when market prices have tanked and domestic and foreign markets have deteriorated.

I would never wish anyone's business to suffer but this double standard between state and federal governments between commercial and recreational rights can't go on. If this article is correct, you are putting for hire and party boats out of business and if this is for the benefit of public safety you can't ignore the same safety risks the commercial sector poses for the exact same reasons.

Complete BS.