Opportunities for Public Comment

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by Broad Bill

Makes sense but personally I don't believe public commentary will ever factor into the outcome of management decisions. It's a check the box protocol I believe is required and as seemingly with everything else always falls on deaf ears. There's driving forces behind all these decisions and recreational public commentary I'm afraid will never factor into those decisions. I know that's a defeatist attitude but it's more than backed by years of public commentary that's shamefully been completely ignored.

That used to be the case, not only ignored but hidden.. I have however seen evidence to the contrary more recently. Used to be public comments that were submitted prior to the meetings were practically hidden from the public. I remember one fluke meeting where the NJ council was surprised that someone on the DEP staff showed some charts quantifying them and it caused quite a stir in the council to the point that the meeting was abruptly adjourned. The last few meetings both in NJ and the ASMFC, the public comments were put front and center and a lot of time was spent on them. Yes the councils and committees have the authority to make decisions counter to public comments but that needs to happen in the light of day so there is more transparency and accountability.