Midwater trawl/Closed Area comments

[twofinbluna]

I posted this in the Quota update thread, but figured I should put it in its own thread since it is importamnt....

There is a comment period open until the 7th that has to do with the new rule that went into place governing midwater trawl access to Groundfish CLosed Area I, which is east of Cape Cod. The rule's intent was to put 100% coverage on the boats going into that area, while making them bring everything aboard for sampling by an observer. Problem is, NMFS added a loophole that lets them dump their so-called "operational discards". This is the stuff that is left in the net after they are done pumping, often because it will not fit into the pump. This basically allows them to keep anything in the net they do not want sampled and then to dump it without it being observed.

The reason this rule was initiated was because a lot of haddock has been caught be these boats in closed areas, and remember that the only reason they were allowed into these CLOSED areas was because they supposedly did not catch groundfish. But they do, and everyone wants to know how much.

Bottom line is that if the rule is going to work, everything needs to be sampled. The comment period ends on Thursday. I will paste some text below that people can use.

Easiest way to submit is at the Government comment webite:

http://www.regulations.gov

Just enter "herring discard provisions" in the search bar, and it will be the first thing that pops up. You can also read more about the rule by clicking that link.


SAMPLE LETTER


October 1st, 2010


Patricia Kurkul, Regional Administrator
NMFS Northeast Regional Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930

Re: Herring Midwater Trawl Discard Provisions, RIN 0648-BA16

Dear Ms. Kurkul,

I am writing today to support Alternative 1 of the discard provisions contained in the rule implementing changes to access requirements for midwater trawlers in Closed Area I (CAI). This alternative will require that midwater trawl vessels bring their codends aboard for sampling once pumping is completed.

The whole point of the rule is to allow for accurate sampling on these vessels when they are fishing in CAI. In order for the regulations to be effective, it is important that all catch is sampled. Alternative I will allow for this while still providing exceptions for safety, mechanical failures and dogfish interactions.

We hope the agency will make the right decision and choose Alternative 1. By choosing this alternative you will be closing a potential loophole and will help ensure accurate data gathering.


Thanks for your time,

[HIGHTIMES]

Done...Do this poeple!

[twofinbluna]

Done...Do this poeple!

Thanks Hightimes, hopefully others follow your lead...only takes 30 seconds

[Chatham Highliner]

Submitted. How bout the rest of you fishermen get on board and be heard.
CH out

[maineraptor]

Did it a while ago. Heard a rumor that Jeff Kaelin may be in line to be Maine Commissioner of DMR if Lepage wins. That would get another trawler ally into power.

[twofinbluna]

Just a reminder that comments are due by COB on Thursday. Thanks guys.

[dunn6253]

Comment sent in, surprised more people haven't yet....

[KAISER]

Roger,Roger

[captseanb]

Comment sent !!!

[twofinbluna]

Thanks guys.