Massachusetts Fishermans Association

[Captain Greg Sears]

My self and a few other fishermen have commented and made some inquiries into a single entity that would help develop and monitor scientific and regulatory information in behalf of all fishermen in Massachusetts (Commercial and Recreational). This information and resource would be used to help with issues regarding all types of fishing in Massachusetts.

There is no formal group formed at this point. Scientific and Legal documentation is our best chance of survival.

A couple of us have met and are corresponding with two universities in Massachusetts to help procure the facilities needed.

MMA: Mass Maritime Academy, we have spoken to Admiral Richard Gurnon the president of MMA. He has given us full cooperation to use any facility the school owns. To help with any factor of the fishing industry. he also agreed to help introduce us to the chancellor of U Mass Dartmouth.To help procure scientific and legal data for fishermen.

U Mass Dartmouth : Steve James from Boston Big Game is also familiar with some people from U Mass and is corresponding to help procure facilities and staff to help Massachusetts fishermen.

The next Step: Now we need a force of fishermen who represent their piers in all parts of the industry. There are many fishing organizations that already exist in Massachusetts. We need a group of NMFS advisory panel members to volunteer to be nominated as officers. We need full support from all the different groups of fisherman in Massachusetts. We need Lawyers, Finance professionals and members of the scientific community to volunteer for a business group of officers.

This type of Organization would be used to support all fishermen in Massachusetts. By involving Universities we could procure Grants to study the Industry and develop education for future fishermen.We need to fight our battles with educated ideas and data. This type of organization would help in the education of our fishermen so we can understand the data presented to us. It will also help protect us against flawed data used by extreme environmental groups.

If you or your organization is interested in helping to develop an organization like this, please call me at 781-545-6516 I am developing a list of contacts to inform about future meetings regarding a Massachusetts Fisherman's Association. Or to explain the resources available.

Thanks for your support.

Greg Sears
781-545-6516

[Captain Greg Sears]

Just so everyone knows where I am coming From:

If you read some of the posts regarding rules and regs you will see one common denominator = Everyone agrees the System and Data as it is today is flawed . A committee designed to oversea the collaboration with the scientist Lawyers and government in behalf of the fishermen, backed by universities would have more power, factual data and resources than any ten groups by themselves. By creating a committee of educators it would give all of the different types of fishermen one central location to store and collect information. It could also open doors for the next generation of fisherman by creating educational portholes to get jobs in the fishing industry. It could be used to get grants to study some of the issues different groups have, such as the RFA, ABTA or CHOIR coalition without them spending their own money.

This is an idea of mine and a goal to help introduce the right people and resources to help our fisheries. It does not mean organizations could not fight for their belief. But it would be a tool for all the Massachusetts fishing industries to use Including NMFS.

We need interested professionals ( lawyers, Scientists and Political figures) to run this committee in behalf of a vote of fishermen. The NMFS Advisory panel members are appointed members not voted nor are they obligated to represent anyone but themselves. A Massachusetts fisherman's association would represent the whole industry and help the advisory panel members bring factual data to represent their part of the industry.

This may take time or may never happen but I think it will at the very least help bring some great University resources to the table for everyone to use.

[stew]

"A Massachusetts fisherman's association would represent the whole industry and help the advisory panel members bring factual data to represent their part of the industry." That's a bold statement out of the box, Greg. Easy now lad. I am not much for the scientest and educators to be in the lead of any group that is to support the fisherman. Last time I checked they are the ones that have been screwing it up for the last 3 decades. I am for a grass root group made up of fisherman and for fisherman and lets stop calling each group by a differant name. I am for the Mass. Rod & Reel Fisherman Assoc. If you fish, and you fish with rod and reel, you can join. Period. Rec. angler, comm., fly guy whatever group you are in you can be in this. If we all did this then we would have a voice. And that is not what the gov't wants is the rod and reel fisherman united. No sir. That would be one powerful group. Screw the rest of the BS. Just how I see it from my bridge. Capt. Eric

[Captain Greg Sears]

"A Massachusetts fisherman's association would represent the whole industry and help the advisory panel members bring factual data to represent their part of the industry." That's a bold statement out of the box, Greg. Easy now lad. I am not much for the scientist and educators to be in the lead of any group that is to support the fisherman. Last time I checked they are the ones that have been screwing it up for the last 3 decades. I am for a grass root group made up of fisherman and for fisherman and lets stop calling each group by a different name. I am for the Mass. Rod & Reel Fisherman Assoc. If you fish, and you fish with rod and reel, you can join. Period. Rec. angler, comm., fly guy whatever group you are in you can be in this. If we all did this then we would have a voice. And that is not what the govt wants is the rod and reel fisherman united. No sir. That would be one powerful group. Screw the rest of the BS. Just how I see it from my bridge. Capt. Eric

I am not suggesting they are the leaders I am suggesting we have our own group of scientist and lawyers and groups of fishermen as the leaders of them. Just imagine if your rod and reel group had scientific data handed to you to fight your battles. And a place where you could get this data custom tailored for your needs.

Fishermen have been fighting their own battle for years. What has that gotten us nothing but black eyes from getting beat up by the educated professionals. Lets get our own group of educated professionals "lad" ( I think I got a few years on you)

[Rodney Davis]

Greg, I think you are on the right track.

I was asking Steve James about this at the last GH tuna club meeting. I told him there has to be a way to get the fishermans data or data supporting fisherman out there.

You and others on this forum have been in this bussiness for years, how many scientific studies on your behalf have been produced by Fishing clubs?

I'm sure there are plenty of lawyers, and some science people that would jump on board to make it happen. Finding lawyers wont be hard but finding fisherman freindly scientists may be more of a challange.

[Col. Kurtz]

Greg, lad-

I personally think it's a great idea and one I'd be happy to help develop.

Terence

[Captain Greg Sears]

I have change the name of my potential resource Idea for our fishing organizations in Massachusetts To:

"The Massachusetts Fisherman's Resource Administration"

So far here are the accumulation of resources we have. If any one or any group is interested in getting help from any of these Organizations or professionals please contact me. at 781-545-6516 or Email fishing@massbayguides

Massachusetts Maritime Academy : Facilities available

University Of Massachusetts : Facilities and Staff available for data reference.

U Mass Dartmouth: contact advisement available

We Also have an experienced volunteer Lawyer who has worked with the Magnuson Stevens Act. He is an avid sport fisherman.

We have two PHD's and two BS in Marine science available for volunteer work or help with confirming data. Also avid fishermen.

We have an HMS AP member representing the Recreational and Shark sector.

I have bankrolled $1000 from the sale of my chart http://www.massbayguides.com/Mass%20...g%20Chart.html for the Use of this Group if needed.

We have one financial adviser willing to help in anyway. Who fishes for anything that swims.

I also know a few of fishing's finest who are familiar with many aspects of fishing who are just chomping at the bit to get involved with so many resources all in one place. But are just waiting to chime in when people start gathering around one central unit devoted to fishing.

I have a lot of friends who fish that are willing to rally for the support of everyone.

Thanks to all of you willing to share your valuable time and effort to "Any Organization" dedicated to the preservation of fishing.

PLEASE USE THESE RESOURCES or Volunteer your expertise contact me at fishing@massbayguides.com

I will gather the contacts but it is up to you to realize the potential of these Universities and professionals. Please pass this post on to any interested party.

I registered the Domain saveourfishing.com (not active) and will be posting these resources and links on a web page before the end of the summer sooner if I get time.

Greg