Sonar-style cod study gains State House Support

[codfishshark]

My personal opinion about the whole NMFS surveys and a theory on how to get more accurate results is to have fishermen do the actual survey trawls. If the government put aside a set aside amount of stocks to have private trawl surveys be done year round in the areas under question we would be able to get more accurate sustainability numbers for each stock. I have talked to several sector managers and scientist revolving around everyones favorite species dogfish and how we can find out the truth about these ravenous species. Our options that are being put forth are to do just as stated above set aside a quota for the year to do the research work to find out more about what dogfish feed on, and if they are actually effecting the groundfish stocks. I have fished for groundfish my whole life and seen the worst when I was a child work for my father to some of the best running a boat for myself. These in accurate trawls have alot to do with areas towed and time of year. Most of the fishermen on this website using rod and reel are able to groundfish in areas that are closed to commercial fishing, which also includes areas not included in the trawl surveys. Most commercial fishermen are willing to work with scientist to show what we are actually catching, whether it be discards or not. A privately funded trawl survey is the most rational way to get accurate numbers for stock assessment. I feel that we all deserve more accurate assessments to further our future and identity as a well managed fishery to the rest of the world. Though previous years of fishermen showed disregard for rules and managament the new age fisherman and younger guys/girls like myself are willing to work alongside NMFS and science to sustaine our livelihood.

[rirockhound]

Most commercial fishermen are willing to work with scientist to show what we are actually catching, whether it be discards or not. A privately funded trawl survey is the most rational way to get accurate numbers for stock assessment. I feel that we all deserve more accurate assessments to further our future and identity as a well managed fishery to the rest of the world. Though previous years of fishermen showed disregard for rules and managament the new age fisherman and younger guys/girls like myself are willing to work alongside NMFS and science to sustaine our livelihood.

I agree in theory, and watched this from the sidelines during the OceanSamp process down here in RI.
What I found is, sharing between fisherman and science/planners (not NMFS in this case) was very general, and they were very guarded with specifics on locations and catch amounts. Understandable of course, BUT it remains a theory.

Are the fisherman hired going to trawl where NMFS wants them to, or where they know the fish are? I see a Catch-22 there.

[twofinbluna]

BD- I hear you, I could tell from your first response that you got it but wanted to elaborate on those points to make sure others did, too.