Bluefish regs not looking good for next year

[porgylber]

And the hits keep on coming. Just received this notice from the RFA. A freaking disaster.

Mid-Atlantic Council just voted to reduce bluefish bag limit to 3 for shore and private anglers and 5 for for hire sector. All based on flawed MRIP data butting up against ACLS which have no place in fisheries management for the recreational sector. ACLS are a Commercial tool not designed for a trending regime like MRIP. FEDS are out of control and we cant get other groups on board to fight this insanity.

[dales529]

The whole meeting was a disaster IMHO. Fluke 4 @ 19 May 15 to Sept 15 but possible NJ will maintain 3 @ 18"

More to come.

[Capt Joe]

As present local draggers 4000 lbs of Fluke and 2000 Seabass weekly no problem towing Mudhole just east of SRR out to west wall, being helped by eastern and LI rigs.

[reason162]

If only the feds can take over striper management they might stand a chance of surviving.

[dales529]

Originally Posted by reason162

If only the feds can take over striper management they might stand a chance of surviving.

No One I know, fishing groups I associate with, fish with as friends or hire to take us fishing doesn't care about sustainable fisheries and conservation. When policy / process starts creating the "facts" instead of the 'facts" creating policy / process is where I / we have an issue and sadly now that includes the "science" behind it all. Thats your FEDS

Originally Posted by dales529

When policy / process starts creating the "facts" instead of the 'facts" creating policy / process is where I / we have an issue and sadly now that includes the "science" behind it all. Thats your FEDS

Dave couldn't have said it any better or agree more. Here's how the Monitoring Committee works.

Monitoring Committees
Overview
Each of the Council’s fishery management plans (FMPs) has a Monitoring Committee which is responsible for annually reviewing the best available data and recommending commercial and recreational measures designed to assure that the target mortality level for each fishery managed under the FMP is not exceeded. The Council and its Committees consider Monitoring Committee recommendations (along with input from the SSC, advisory panels, and the public) during the annual specification-setting process for each fishery.

AND THE PUBLIC, COULDN'T BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH, HAS TO BE A TYPO.

Ultimate policy decisions are made by the Commission "Board" and Council. Here's the composition of the MC for demersal species:

Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass
Kiley Dancy, MAFMC
Julia Beaty, MAFMC
Karson Coutre, MAFMC
Alex Aspinwall, VA Marine Resources Commission
John Carmichael, SAFMC
Peter Clarke, NJ Div of Fish and Wildlife
Steve Doctor, MD DNR
Emily Gilbert, NOAA/NMFS
Dustin Leaning, ASMFC
John Maniscalco, NY DEC, Marine Fisheries
Jason McNamee, RI Div of Fish and Wildlife
Caitlin Starks, ASMFC
Mark Terceiro, NMFS/NEFSC
Sam Truesdell, MA DMF
Greg Wojcik, CT DEP
Rich Wong, DE Div of Fish and Wildlife
T.D. VanMiddlesworth, NC Div Marine Fisheries

This is supposed to be checks and balances when you have a majority of the MC made up of members of MAFMC and ASMFC as well as Dr. Mark Terceira Northeast Science Center's lead scientist responsible for producing a majority of the data being questioned. This is self monitoring as opposed to checks and balances.

How about an independent MC comprised of both Commercial / Recreational / Industry experts (elected officials, not appointed as someone's pawn) who Monitor the science, have the authority to challenge it (accountability) and make recommendation based on data they agree with to the Commission and Council for policy decisions. Objective checks and balances and the Commission / Council / NOAA still have final say but there's a level of objectivity and accountability in the mix which doesn't exist today. The fact it make sense is precisely why it will never be considered because the propaganda machine will lose control and that will never happen with commercial lobbying efforts and political agendas at large.

[reason162]

Originally Posted by dales529

No One I know, fishing groups I associate with, fish with as friends or hire to take us fishing doesn't care about sustainable fisheries and conservation. When policy / process starts creating the "facts" instead of the 'facts" creating policy / process is where I / we have an issue and sadly now that includes the "science" behind it all. Thats your FEDS

Sure, we all claim we "care," yet I hardly hear the for-hire industry supporting more stringent regs, no matter the species.
From fluke to stripers to now bluefish, the science is always wrong. The argument always run one way and not the other.

The Overfished assessment came down in Sept, and before year's end we're looking at 3 - 5 limit for 2020. Some
complain that's actually not proactive enough, but compared to the species managed by ASMFC it's lightyears ahead in terms of efficiency.

Oh and no room for BS "conservation equivalency," lb for lb paybacks for 2021. That's how it should be done, and looking at the feds' track record
compared to ASMFC it's hard to argue which approach works for the resource.

[Capt Sal]

Originally Posted by reason162

If only the feds can take over striper management they might stand a chance of surviving.

PLAIN STUPID STATEMENT!! There talking bluefish and less government involvement and you want more federal management???? Get real!

[mikdel]

Originally Posted by porgylber

And the hits keep on coming. Just received this notice from the RFA. A freaking disaster.

Mid-Atlantic Council just voted to reduce bluefish bag limit to 3 for shore and private anglers and 5 for for hire sector. All based on flawed MRIP data butting up against ACLS which have no place in fisheries management for the recreational sector. ACLS are a Commercial tool not designed for a trending regime like MRIP. FEDS are out of control and we cant get other groups on board to fight this insanity.

Bluefish haven't been looking good last few years. Seem to be only a spring run for bigger blues mia in fall. They used to be mixed in with the striper fall run not so now. Surf guys used to do well with them in the fall. Summer boats used to slay them day and night trips not so now. Hardly any night boats now something had to be done. As for the flounder breeders are the target again. Makes no sense. Summer flounder will end up being shut down.and you will be forced to buy them at the market or eat them at restaurants of which both are supplied by the comms.

[Honger]

I'm sure every ounce of it was put into good use.