Just a quick remeninder about the NMFS Meeting in silver springs

[Bluewater Sportfishing]

Just a quick reminder that the Bluefin meeting is this tuesday the 17th in silver springs M.D. I hope if you want to save the fishery you show up. I know I will be there!
also they just released this Click on this link....If they get their way no GIANT SEASON AT ALL FOR ANYONE.
https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/other/bl...%202-18-09.pdf

[Caveman Sportfishing]

Is this something new this year closing the General Catagory in the middle of summer. What's with this crap. I have seen in closed for periods down in MHC and then opened up again for but that was back when there was almost nil quota for the NC guys. I have to take last of my cardiac tests Tuesday afternoon at Cape Regional so I cannot make the tommorrow's meeting as you know I really wanted to make this meeting in person but I hope others take the time and effort to go. I will be waiting to hear what reasons if any they come up with for their reasoning on closing the General Catagory. It probably is like Jan 31 down in MHC as they have no reason based on any sound judgement other than keep us from catching our quota. Please if any one is on the fence about attending the meeting your presence is needed.

[sashamy]

Its been like that for 10 years or so, you guys just have never looked til now...

[Bluewater Sportfishing]

Its been like that for 10 years or so, you guys just have never looked til now...

It has? I never saw anything like a closing for aug? This was posted feb 15th of this year. Did you go to the meeting in mass? if so was this brought up? and if it was, what was said?

[oldmud]

It has? I never saw anything like a closing for aug? This was posted feb 15th of this year. Did you go to the meeting in mass? if so was this brought up? and if it was, what was said?

Kobey, Sash is right, Well almost. That is the way they ran the seasons for 20 years or so. The last few years we didn't fill our Quota so they changed it to stay open. Nothing was mentioned at the meeting about it because i guess most guys there knew how it use to be. we even use to have a reserve for the New York Bight. But none for NC.

Typically we would nearly fill our Quota around mid Sept. and they would close it to "count up." (Guess they had trouble keeping up with the count) When they knew what was left they would usually open on Oct. 1 which was usually good for about 3 or 4 days. then put out the word on the VHF and we would quit.

Don

[EJR]

I agree. Its always been listed like that. Its just the way the quota gets broken up.

[Capt. Jon Tennant]

Just a quick reminder that the Bluefin meeting is this tuesday the 17th in silver springs M.D. I hope if you want to save the fishery you show up. I know I will be there!
also they just released this Click on this link....If they get their way no GIANT SEASON AT ALL FOR ANYONE.
https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/other/bl...%202-18-09.pdf

from the way it reads, the june 1 thru aug 31 is only referring to daily retention limits... nothing about closing at all. Page 2 has the quota broke down by time period and quota allowances which shows the fishery open june 1 thru Jan 31 2010.

One other thing that I don't understand is what we are fighting for in these meetings? As far as loosing our quota thru ICCAT, it is just that and these meetings affect nothing with the NMFS and Iccat's agreement which affects all Iccat country members and the BFT fishery as a whole. As far as catch it or lose it, that has been part of the contract with Iccat for all member countries for quite a while. One other thing that has not been made clear is what "quota" will be transferred. Quota from future seasons or unused quota from previous seasons. It was discussed at the townhall meeting the Tag-a-Giant put on a few years back in MHC and it was explained to me as being more of the second. If thats the case then how does this affect future seasons?


here is the docket for discussing for the meeting...

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...50%3A8.0.1.1.3

From what I can tell, this has nothing to do with Iccat transfing US quota to any other countries, so I guess my question is this...

is this really about protecting the fishery for GBFT or just a stand to combat the new retention limits on rec. caught juvenile BFT & it's affect on the charter and recreation fishing industry?