Email that I received today...


Washington, DC, June 29, 2007 - Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ/6th) introduced the Atlantic Blackfish Conservation Act (HR 2939) to prohibit the commercial harvesting and sale of tautog (blackfish) in state and federal waters. RFA sought federal protection of the historic recreational blackfish fishery and met numerous times with Congressman Pallone and his staff to discuss this issue.



"After pleading for 15 years with no major response by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) to address this problem, we had to try something different," states Jim Donofrio, RFA Executive Director. "The States are incapable of controlling the illegal fishery and ASMFC has exhibited habitual complacency concerning this matter. At this point, all options through the traditional channels were either exhausted or closed. We saw no other alternative than to rise above the bureaucracy of the ASMFC and pursue a solution through federal legislation with the help of Mr. Pallone."



Since 1981, recreational tautog harvest has decreased by 52.1 percent. This level of reduction, combined with relatively stable legal commercial landings, was ineffective in spurring recovery and illustrates two important aspects of this fishery; it is unlikely any further reductions on the recreational sector will result in any improvement to the tog stock, and that a significant source of removal is currently not accounted for in the management of the stock. All evidence points to a massive illegal fishery.



"The illegal tog fishery is out-of-control," continues Donofrio. "It would be irresponsible to pass regulations that are otherwise unenforceable in light of most state's minimal budgets. Implementing a federal no-sale of tog law may in fact be the easiest and cheapest option for most states. Also it will ensure a healthy future for the Atlantic blackfish."



The traditional tautog fishery is primarily a recreational fishery. Though not a glamorous fish, it carries a strong following in the private vessel sector as well as with shore based anglers. For party/charter boats and tackle businesses, tog filled gaps created when regulations on winter flounder and summer flounder shortened their seasons. Since the late 1980's, tog biomass has been declining and fishing mortality rate remains above the rebuilding target. We thank Mr. Pallone for his continued leadership and support of recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry.