NOAA's Response to the United We Fish Rally

Site Admin Joined: Mar 07, 2008 Posts: 1636

NOAA's response to the United We Fish Rally

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Statement by Eric Schwaab, NOAA Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, on today's “United We Fish” rally at Capitol Hill
By NOAA
Wed, Feb 24, 2010

I am here today to listen to those who have come to rally Congress. I know the key to any successful fishery management program is active involvement by commercial and recreational fishermen as well as other interested stakeholders.

Marine fish and fisheries have been vital to the prosperity of this nation's coastal communities for hundreds of years. Today, however, more than 20 percent of the nation's fish stocks are overfished and need to be rebuilt to larger, healthier populations so that they can produce their full economic potential for fishermen, coastal communities and the nation.

In 2006, Congress reauthorized and strengthened the Magnuson-Stevens Act to meet that important goal. This reauthorization was groundbreaking in many respects, including the requirement that we use science-based annual catch limits to end overfishing on all stocks. Ending overfishing is the first step to allowing a fish stock population to rebuild to a level where the stock can be fished sustainably for the long term.

I recognize and appreciate the sacrifices being made today by the men and women in the commercial and recreational fishing industries to end overfishing and rebuild marine fish stocks as required by Magnuson. These sacrifices have the potential to result in significant long-term economic benefits to fishing communities and the nation as well as benefits to the overall ocean ecosystems. Recognizing the sacrifices being made to transition to more sustainable fishing, NOAA and Congress has made a commitment of $18.6 million to assist in the transition to sectors in the Northeast groundfish industry.

Rebuilding stocks has already led to important successes and significant economic benefits for fishermen, coastal communities and the nation. Some examples are the sea scallop, monkfish, bluefish and Gulf of Mexico king mackerel fisheries. The dockside value revenues in the sea scallop industry have increased from $84.7 million in 1994 when the stock was overfished to $370 million in 2008. The healthy bluefish stocks on the Atlantic coast provide consistent, reliable fishing opportunities for shore and party and charter boat anglers and the related economic benefits of sportfishing to a wide variety of shore businesses.

We estimate that once the nation rebuilds all fisheries, which we are on a track to do and required to do by law, the dockside value of our commercial fisheries would go from $4.1 billion to $6.3 billion annually, a 54 percent increase. Rebuilding recreational fisheries will help improve the economies of our nation's coastal communities; saltwater angling generated $82 billion in sales and supported more than 500,000 jobs annually in NOAA's most recent report.

I understand the criticism of the 10-year rebuilding timeframes in Magnuson. However, I believe Magnuson already contains the flexibility we need for rebuilding stocks by allowing certain exceptions based on biology and other issues. Balancing rebuilding for the long-term health of coastal communities with the immediate economic effects remains a challenge for everyone involved in implementing the act's mandate to end overfishing and rebuild stocks.

Although I've only been in my job as head of NOAA's Fisheries Service for a little more than a week, I am familiar with fishing communities, their proud traditions, and the challenges we face in keeping them vibrant for future generations. I am interested in hearing the concerns of everyone involved, and I look forward to a cooperative and productive relationship.

Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 10:50 am Post subject:

All I can say is what a crock. If the fish stocks are so depleated then stop commercial fishing them all together. Just like they did with game animals at the turn of the last Century. It is a resource of all the people not a few commercial fishermen. If they are so dead set on selling fish then let them farm them for resale.
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Formerly Spineyman

Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 10:57 am Post subject:

I didn't go to the March on Washington and I'll tell you why. Actually just read that NOAA letter Amanda posted and you'll see why. THEY DONT GIVE A CRAP. THEY ARE NOT GOING TO BUDGE on their current regulations and decisions.

A healthy bluefishery? Who cares about bluefish! We want our Snapper and Grouper and we know they are there!

Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 11:09 am Post subject:

Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 11:28 am Post subject:

I still believe theres a hidden story behind all this.
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Fountain 34 CC
"Devils Rejects"

Site Admin Joined: Mar 07, 2008 Posts: 1636

Capt Dave's pics from the Rally are here: http://fryingpantower.com/modules.php?name=gallery2&g2_itemId=102381&g2_page=1

Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 12:38 pm Post subject:

The number of POACHERS is going to rise, commercial and recs.

My dad got on a bus to DC. He's on his way back now. He said there was a good turnout.

Site Admin Joined: Mar 07, 2008 Posts: 1636

U.S. Senator George LeMieux (R-FL) joined with hundreds of fishermen who gathered at the U.S. ::: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyRKP9Gx2uA

Fin Addict Joined: Oct 27, 2008 Posts: 164

Site Admin Joined: Mar 07, 2008 Posts: 1636

I hit the wrong button, sorry ET! I tried to put it back like you had it.

Your quote = Laughing

They are going to do what THEY want...

Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 7:21 am Post subject:

it seems like the recreational fishermen are always dealt the bad cards. Commercial fishing should be shut down for any species considered overfished. They are the ones bringing in shitloads of fish while we are regulated with our sizes and 1 or 2 bag limits of fish every day. "That's their income" well take a look around at all the other people losing jobs too. My wife was laid off recently and she had to find another source of income whether she liked it or not.

What about us recreational fishermen? Why do we care so much? Fishing is our enjoyment, our escape. We may not depend on fish as our salary but we damn sure depend on fish to eat! We put our money into tackle shops, ice houses, marinas, dealers, licenses and permits, hotels, food, and travel too. We have just as much economic impact.

Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 7:34 am Post subject:

I've been reading through this and watching the videos from the rally on youtube.
But, this entire shenanigan is going to require a lot of work and a lot of patience and understanding from ALL sides. We are ALL dealing with over-regulations and the only way we are ALL going to benefit is if we stick together and work it out as an equal front. Sectors and dividing us is just more fuel to the fire.


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