Yes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Captain Rich]

This is great news !!!!! Hopefully other "researchers" will fall in line.

NOVA Halts Longline Research
Press Release Courtesy: The Billfish Foundation | September 27, 2017

The Billfish Foundation (TBF) respects the wisdom of Dr. George L. Hanbury, II, President of NOVA Southeastern University for the decision to no longer continue the federally permitted pelagic longline research now underway inside Florida's east coast closed zone.

TBF recently brought to the attention of Dr. Hanbury threats the longline closed zone research could have on the university's fine reputation in the area of science and community relations (see TBF’s letter to Dr. Hanbury at www.billfish.org). The university has received high acclaim from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a High Research and Community Engagement University, recognition given to only 37 universities.

Yesterday TBF's president Ellen Peel received a message from Dr. Richard Dodge, a highly respected scientist at NOVA, stating that the university will not continue the longline research in Florida’s east coast closed zone. Peel says "her respect for the university and its president is reinforced with this decision; Dr. Hanbury continues to adhere to high standards in science and community relations.”

[Captain Rich]

If anyone isn't making the connection, the swords we catch up here during the canyon season migrate through the Florida closed zone.

[BigRock44]

Sanity prevails!

[Capt. Debbie]

After reading it three times I'm more= ??????????

[Captain Rich]

Certain "commercials" approached certain "academics" to do longline "research" in the closed zone. I think 6 "academic" permits were issued. It's an end run around good common sense. All the Florida agencies were against it, but our government "NMFS" ok'ed it. Blatant BS !