Tuna Listening Session

[relentless]

OK,

Let's get this straight, NOAA comes out like they want to listen to the fisherman and plan only three sessions. One is in Portland at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Portland should be a good location but wondering how big the room is.

The second one in Boston is located at the Mariners House in the North End. http://www.marinershouse.org No parking, hard to find and a very small hall. I have attended several small meetings there in the past.

The third is in the most northern part of the coast in New Jersey. Let's make it difficult to attend if we live in the Southern part of the state where most of the BFT fisherman fish out of.

No doubt they are trying to make it so fisherman have a hard time attending these meetings and I am sure the Environmental Groups will be at the nearby plush hotel and paid to go.

I feel we should complain about these locations and have them in locations with parking and open to the public so someone can attend last minute unlike at the NMFS Lab in Sandy Hook.

This is just plain wrong to hold three meetings in small buildings so only a few can attend.

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species News
NOAA Fisheries' Office of Protected Resources will host three listening sessions with bluefin tuna fishermen during January 2011. These meetings are designed to give bluefin fishermen an opportunity to present information to be considered in the Endangered Species Act (ESA) status review that is now underway. A summary of information provided at these meetings will be reflected in the final status review report. The attached list of questions, provided by Kim Damon-Randall, is intended as a guide for discussion.

Dates and locations are as follows (each meeting begins at 10am):

Jan 5 - NMFS Lab in Sandy Hook, NJ
Jan 6 - Mariner's House in Boston, MA
Jan 7 - Gulf of Maine Research Institute in Portland, ME

Anyone interested in participating should contact Kimberly.Damon-Randall@noaa.gov. An RSVP is essential for the Sandy Hook meeting, as it will take place in a government building and security requires a guest list in advance.

If you have any questions, please contact Kim Damon-Randall at the email address above. She can also be reached at 978-282-8485, x 6535.

Respectfully,

Dave

[tomytuna]

Oh man Dave. The're still pushing ESA? thanks for posting that. How the hell does this state keep putting these socialist pigs back in office?!

[Dogfish87]

Why 10 am meetings. Why not later in the day. I'll be @ Portland

[happytuna]

they don't want anybody there that why most tuna fisherman work real jobs. they don't want as many people like we had in gloucester again

[Capt Fred]

Thanks for post Dave, Happy Christmas & Merry New year

[codfishshark]

I am glad to see they are holding meetings regarding BFT but how many of you guys have been going to council meetings regarding groundfish? I have been going for a few years and notice the lack of participation for those so why would tuna be any different? When it comes down to rec and charter guys being allowed a quota for cod, haddock, pollock etc.. most of you will start complaining and then decide its time to go. Just a thought maybe some of you who do have the time to make additional NMFS bs meetings should before your crying in the end. Also writing a letter to Kim will do just as good as speaking at the listening session, send it with delivery confirmation through the mail and then do a follow up to make sure she has read it. I have had my income cut in half this year because of bad science and ignorant politicians, we have attended various meetings, met with many political connections, and have several law suits going against NMFS/NOAA. All I am saying is stand up now before it comes down on you.

[clambo]

It's pretty obvious they put these meetings at places and times so we can't attend and contribute our info to them. I think the intent is to end tuna fishing no matter what we or the science says. At that time it will be tea party time! We will need to mount cannons right below the outriggers (have to keep things symetrical ya know) and let em taste a broadside aaaaaarrrffff.

[twofinbluna]

Oh man Dave. The're still pushing ESA? thanks for posting that. How the hell does this state keep putting these socialist pigs back in office?!

Oh yes, they are still pushing it. And it will be a pretty sad sight if those meeting rooms are not overflowing for these 'listening sessions'. This is the first chance for us to show them how we feel about this- people better make the effort and turn up at these things! They set these sessions up at ABTA's request.

Show up, guys! Will post reminders close to the meetings.

[twofinbluna]

I am glad to see they are holding meetings regarding BFT but how many of you guys have been going to council meetings regarding groundfish? I have been going for a few years and notice the lack of participation for those so why would tuna be any different? When it comes down to rec and charter guys being allowed a quota for cod, haddock, pollock etc.. most of you will start complaining and then decide its time to go. Just a thought maybe some of you who do have the time to make additional NMFS bs meetings should before your crying in the end. Also writing a letter to Kim will do just as good as speaking at the listening session, send it with delivery confirmation through the mail and then do a follow up to make sure she has read it. I have had my income cut in half this year because of bad science and ignorant politicians, we have attended various meetings, met with many political connections, and have several law suits going against NMFS/NOAA. All I am saying is stand up now before it comes down on you.

Good post, although I would stress that people should both go to both the meetings and write letters. But if you can only do one, its better than doing nothing!

Guys we really need to turn up the heat on this- if people do not get involved do not be surprised if next season we do not have a fishery. We should be filling these rooms and having people lined up out the door to get in!

[tomytuna]

Hi Chris. thanks for yr work in "Paris". quick question. Does Jane L. have hairy legs and armpits like the women in France?