FISHING MATTERS TO ME RALLLY -FEBRUARY 25, 2011

FEBRUARY 25, 2011

FISHING MATTERS TO ME rally

FEBRUARY 25, 2011



TIME TO STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS! YOUR FISHING FUTURE IS AT STAKE!

Show up at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) St. Pete office to demonstrate that FISHING MATTERS TO YOU. Join together to make your voice heard at this EPIC demonstration and education gathering. Well over a thousand people are expected to converge on common ground in St. Petersburg, FL.

A NOTE FROM DENNY:

This event was an idea that got thrown down with no schedule, permits or action plan. After three weeks, the event has grown into what promises to be the largest gathering of fisherman ever.



Many people are coming and all are clamoring for details. We have been intentionally vague about those details, as people are working to thwart the impact and even the occurrence of the rally.

These actions have only hardened the resolve and expanded the circle of organizers for this event. Directions, parking details, maps and all other pertinent information will be finalized and posted by Tuesday night on this web page. When you arrive at the rally, you will be given the action plan.

While talking to NMFS has proven largely ineffective and counter-productive, Congress writes NMFS' checks and will certainly pay attention to the estimated five thousand people who intend to show up at this event. WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH of NMFS mismanagement. They are out of control, but will have a tough time running when Congress takes their budget away. BREAKING NEWS- The US House of Representatives voted 259-159 to discontinue spending on catch share for the remainder of the fiscal year. Long overdue data and science improvements have been put aside while funding for catch shares previously mushroomed. The time has come to hold accountable those who have failed to perform their duties to improve data collection and scientific accuracy.

We have invited Governor Scott and members of Congress and the state legislature to speak. There will be many guest speakers that will present interesting information to us all.

Washington, DC is where we need to seek protection for the nation's recreational and commercial fishermen. Many groups, one message. Come out and show Congress the faces of affected anglers and fishermen. WE FISH and WE VOTE. Congress will use the turnout at this event to gauge the seriousness of our situation and requests.

Show up BY LAND OR BY SEA to get the tools YOU need to make a difference. Maps of the event, including boat and car parking, will be updated as details are confirmed. Expect all details to be posted here by Tuesday night, Feb. 22.


Hubbard's Marina will be representing with the MV Florida Fisherman II at the FRA 'demonstration and education event'. Any one who would like to go we will departing Hubbard's Marina at 7am and return 3pm. More info to come.



This event will be broadcast LIVE on FRA's web TV!

DRAFT PLAN BELOW. FINAL PLAN TO BE POSTED 6:30 pm TUESDAY