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Originally Posted by apmaurosr
Hi CaptTB
Feel free to copy and paste my response to your question, since you've asked it on other forums and I have provided an answer.
The NJOA supports any initiative that benefits angling, hunting, forestry, marine ecology, environmental stewardship as long as the principles of conservation weigh appropriately into the decision.
There are many ways to skin a cat, the RFA, United Boatmen, commercial interestes, etc. may take one course of action - other groups like the NJOA (that is state focused) have other avenues at their disposal. The NJOA is pursuing the sea bass closure from an educational standpoint (educating anglers, hunters, conservationists, NJ legislators, etc.) about the closure. We are also targeting our efforts at influencing key people locally. (Yes, there is, are, a local influence.)
While a lawsuit is one approach our approach is from a different direction (I don't think it wise to announce our strategy on an internet forum.) Together, we may all help to make a difference in the long run. As you wrote, the sea bass closure in one of several issues discussed at the rally.
Similarly, we haven't seen support from United Boatmen on removing commercial gear from the reefs. We don't assume there is lack of support by United Boatment - it might just be that it is not a priority or perhaps it is being approached from a different angle or maybe there's a conflict - we don't assume to know. The NJOA is dedicating its efforts at the state level (Gov., DEP and DFW) and is attempting to leverage any influence from the state back on the federal government for those reefs in federal waters.
Anyway, we at the NJOA wish the RFA, United Boatmen and commercial interests success on raising funds for litigation. Hopefully the length of time ligigation entails can make a diference in the short term, as well as the long term. In the interim, the NJOA will pursue an alternate course of action.
Again, feel free to copy and paste this response to on the other forums where you are asking such questions.
Ant
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