Carolyn Ann III

RECREATIONAL FISHING SUBJECT TO NEW SEPTEMBER 1 CLOSURE

2010-05-17T22:46:00.003-04:00

Public Hearing on New Amendment Set For Tuesday, May 18 at Stockton College

A proposed new amendment to fishery management plans by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) would use the "fatally flawed" MRFSS system to enact automatic September 1 closures of the black sea bass, scup and summer flounder fisheries. Known in management circles as the Omnibus Amendment, the proposal would modify all fishery management plans to enact provisions of the last Magnuson Stevens Act reauthorization regarding Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC), Annual Catch Limits (ACL) and Accountability Measures (AM).

A public hearing on the issue will be held at the Richard Stockton College of NJ's Lakeside Center at 7 pm on Tuesday, May 18.

"This is potentially non-survivable by industry," said Capt. Adam Nowalsky, chairman of the Recreational Fishing Alliance's New Jersey chapter (RFA-NJ). "You cannot run a business knowing you will potentially lose a major holiday weekend and prime fishing seasons subject to MRFSS."

The newly reauthorized Magnuson Stevens Act (MSA) in 2007 had mandated that certain key components of MRFSS be fixed by January 1, 2009, which would've been up to 2 years before the ABC, ACL and AM provisions contemplated in the Omnibus Amendment were to be utilized. According to the RFA however, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has failed to reach their congressionally mandated requirements. "MSA gave the Secretary of Commerce a strict deadline of January 1, 2009 to complete a national registry program to improve MRFSS, but that hasn't happened," said RFA's Executive Director Jim Donofrio, while adding "it's the same federal fisheries law also called on the Secretary to submit a report to Congress describing how progress has been made in achieving these goals and objectives, but that's not been accomplished either."

"With Environmental Defense at the helm there at NOAA, the only MSA mandates that NMFS actually follows under this Administration are the ones which close down our seasons and deny Americans access to healthy fisheries," Donofrio added. "They're certainly not responding to the Congressional mandates for better science, that's become pretty apparent."

Capt. Nowalsky attended the most recent MAFMC meeting in North Carolina last month on behalf of the RFA and the RFA-NJ chapter, and specifically requested the New Jersey hearing. Hearings were initially scheduled only in Virginia and out on Long Island.

In addition to the proactive in-season Accountability Measures, reactive measures are also described that will call for recreational anglers repaying any overages of Annual Catch Limits indicated by MRFSS by way of reduced quotas in up to the 3 subsequent years. "If MRFSS reports high enough landings, you could see your quota theoretically go to zero, even for healthy fisheries," commented RFA-NJ Board member and United Boatmen President Capt. Tony Bogan. "The black sea bass closure last year was just the tip of the ice berg if we do not address provisions of this amendment," Bogan added.

The Omnibus Amendment also proposes institutionalizing excessive precaution in management of the Mid-Atlantic fisheries through a four-tiered grading system that would be assigned to each stock assessement by the SSC, with #1 being the best and #4 being the worst. "In a region such as the Mid-Atlantic where overfishing has been ended for all species under its jurisdiction, most annual catch limit recommendations presented to the council members will carry an artificial stigma associated with a poor assessment grade," explained RFA's head of Fisheries Policy and Science, John Depersenaire. "With the council make-up leaning less towards active fishing participants, this Omnibus Amendment could provide the justification to severely reduced quotas even in completely rebuilt stocks, and based solely on precaution."

Ironically, RFA claims that NOAA ultimately controls the ability to free up funds necessary to move stock assessment from the lower levels up to the #1 and #2 levels. As evidenced by their annual budget for fiscal year 2011, NOAA Fisheries is cutting millions of dollars from corporative research programs and reallocating those funds towards the implementation of catch shares," Depersenaire said, while adding "stock assessment improvements are clearly not a NOAA priority."

The MAFMC has been one of the most successful regional fishery management councils in addressing overfishing; none of the species they manage are presently experiencing overfishing. Nevertheless, the last reauthorization of MSA in 2006 called for new regulatory measures to be put into effect irregardless of past successes to end and prevent all overfishing from occurring. These new measures, applicable to both recreational and commercial fisheries, include the concepts of frameworks, control rules, and risk policies. Each new layer adds another corrective factor to address uncertainty in reducing fishing levels from the Maximum Sustainable Yield to Annual Catch Limits, Annual Catch Targets, Landings Levels, and, ultimately, Recreational Harvest Limits.

More information about the proposed new amendment and directions and contact info for Tuesday's public hearing can be found on the MAFMC website at www.mafmc.org/fmp/omnibus.htm. All recreational and commercial angling interests are encouraged to attend.

2010-03-04T22:08:00.001-05:00

This just in... The 2010 fishing regulations for fluke in New jersey are as follows.... Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day weekend..6 fish...18". It may look bad but look up the New York regs...

FISHERMEN TO MARCH ON WASHINGTON

2010-01-15T08:46:00.002-05:00

"United We Fish" To Seek Congressional Support On February 24

December 16, 2009 - In a historic show of solidarity, recreational and commercial fishermen will gather together on the steps of the Capitol on February 24, 2010 from noon until 3 p.m. in an organized demonstration against the unintended negative impacts of the Magnuson Stevens Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the federal fisheries law which was revised in January of 2007. Coordinating the march under the flag of United We Fish, rally organizers are hoping to see a large show of force in defense of coastal communities.

"The closures keep coming and it's good to see the collective fishing communities and industries, both recreational and commercial, calling for scientific based Magnuson reform," said Jim Donofrio, Executive Director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA). "We are all in this together." Donofrio cited recent closures of amberjack, black sea bass and red snapper fisheries as examples of what he calls a "broken" federal fisheries law.

The groups organized through United We Fish are hoping to prove to legislators just how many American anglers and business owners are truly being impacted by the overly restrictive management requirements created by MSA based on non scientific arbitrary deadlines. According to Bob Zales of the Conservation Cooperative of Gulf Fishermen (CCGF), the time-specific deadlines mandated by MSA coupled with flawed data collection methods are forcing anglers off the water. "We fully support real science based management and the conservation of our marine resources while also being able to sustain recreational and commercial fishing activities, providing locally caught seafood, sustaining small family businesses, and supporting our coastal communities."

This effort is being coordinated by many organizations and individuals including but not limited to the RFA, CCGF, SSFFF, United Boatmen of New York, United Boatmen of New Jersey, New York Sportfishing Federation, Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen's Association and the Fishing Rights Alliance. "Some people have asked 'why, it's winter'," said Donofrio who said he's gotten the required permits and expects a large crowd in DC on February 24th, regardless of weather. "We can't let seasons stop the momentum, and if we wait any longer none of us will be fishing. Many members of Congress will be standing shoulder to shoulder with us," Donofrio said.

Nils Stolpe, a consultant to the commercial fishing industry and columnist for SavingSeafood.org said that over the past three decades since the original Magnuson Act was established, fishermen have been gradually phased out of the fisheries management process, regardless of sector. "The scientists have been put in charge, and as the list of closures and restrictions up above painfully demonstrates, the Act has been turned into a weapon that is now being used against fishermen and fishing communities."

U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) first introduced the Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2008 in the 110th Congress to incorporate "limited flexibility" into federal fisheries management. More than 100 fishing groups and industry members from around the country pledged their support for the legislation and the bill's 19 bipartisan coastal cosponsors, but the bill languished during the volatile economic climate in advance of the presidential elections in November of 2008.

Realizing that fisheries closures would continue without congressional intervention, in March of this year, Rep. Pallone and fellow Representatives John Adler (D-NJ), Henry Brown, Jr. (R-SC), Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL), Barney Frank (D-MA), Walter B. Jones, Jr. (R-NC), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Frank LoBiondo (D-NJ), Mike McIntyre (D-NC), Michael Michaud (D-ME), Solomon Ortiz (D-TX) and John Tierney (D-MA), reintroduced the Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2009 (HR 1584). Twenty-five total co-sponsors have since pledged support to date including Rob Andrews (D-NJ), Timothy Bishop (D-NY), Allen Boyd (D-FL), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Peter King (R-NY), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Jo Bonner (R-AL), John Mica (R-FL), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH), Clifford Stearns (R-FL), Donna Christensen (D-VI), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Ander Crenshaw (R-FL).

Following a letter-writing campaign by the RFA-NY and members of the New York Sportfishing Federation, senior Democratic Senator Charles Schumer of New York announced his Senate version of the bill (S.1255). Currently, the Senate bill to correct the flaws in MSA has no co-sponsors, which is something United We Fish organizers are hoping will change in February.

"New York's Senator Schumer is as concerned about his fishing constituents as he is about the fish, just as Congressmen Pallone, Frank, Jones, LoBiondo, Kennedy, Adler and others in the House of Representatives are," said Stolpe. "Hence they have formed the nucleus of a growing movement in Congress that, in spite of the editorial opinion of the New York Times and the expenditure of many millions of dollars by the Pew Charitable Trusts, is aimed at preserving recreational and commercial fishing, the lifestyles of millions of fishermen, and the tens of thousands of businesses and hundreds of fishing communities that they support," Stolpe added.

Organizers from within the recreational fishing sector are hoping to get commitment from all user groups and across varied state and regional boundaries. "This is much bigger than any one state issue or individual grievance," said RFA's Managing Director Jim Hutchinson, Jr. "Whether it's our restrictive fluke fishery in New York, the arbitrary closure of state waters for our anglers in California, or the shutdown of red snapper and amberjack down south, our community has been divided by preservationist tactics for too long. It's time to unite the clans in defense of our coastal heritage and traditions," Hutchinson said.

"We need to let Congress and NOAA know that we are the collective voice of the recreational fishing community and the collective voice does not accept the current broken management system which wreaks such havoc on all of us and our businesses," said Donofrio, adding "The goal on February 24th will be to get all of our congressional friends to attend."

"At this point Senator Schumer and his Congressional colleagues in the House deserve the thanks and the support of every one of us who fishes, whether for fun or profit," said Stolpe.

The United We Fish rally is set for 2/24/10 at noon at the Capitol. For details as they become available, sign up for the RFA's email newsletter on the homepage at www.joinrfa.org.

CLICK HERE to purchase Bus Tickets to DC and for directions to the bus pick-up location!

Click Here to Download a Flyer about the Fishermen's Rally in Washington, D.C. Print it and give a copy to everyone you know!

RFA-NJ LEADS EFFORT TO SECURE BETTER DATA

2010-01-14T09:41:00.000-05:00

In the month leading up to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) meetings in December, the Recreational Fishing Alliance's New Jersey Chapter (RFA-NJ) worked diligently in making a case to convene a joint meeting of the MAFMC's Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) and the Black Sea Bass Monitoring Committee. The MAFMC agreed with the approach, and voted unanimously to reassess the black sea bass 2010 quota recommendations. BlackSeaBass

"One MAFMC member mentioned to me that testimony delivered by RFA-NJ Chairman Capt. Adam Nowalsky was quite convincing," said Jim Hutchinson, Jr., RFA's Managing Director. "The representative specifically noted that for the most part the council decided to send the black sea bass information back to the SSC because of efforts to make the case to each and every member of that fisheries management council."

Testimony before the council encouraged members to ask the committees to convene in a special session this winter, with the SSC addressing the scientific uncertainty in the black sea bass assessments, and the Monitoring Committee addressing management uncertainties. This meeting will occur via conference call on Friday, January 8, 2010. Pending a revised quota recommendation, action by NMFS' Northeast Administrator would pave the way for Council and Board approval of revised 2010 black sea bass regulations early this year.

"The RFA-NJ chapter was there in Delaware alongside folks from the United Boatmen and the Save the Summer Flounder Fishery Fund, standing up for recreational fishermen at home in New Jersey," said Nowalsky. "Myself, Karen Wall, Capt. Tony Bogan, the groups and individuals who have always been actively involved in saltwater fisheries were there as usual, and the RFA-NJ chapter was well-represented."

Hutchinson said that having strong chapter representation at these federal and regional meetings means that anglers themselves are well-represented. "You'll always hear a lot of ideas and opinions when it comes to marine fisheries management, but enacting change at the Council level requires knowledge of the law and a good bit of onwater experience to boot."

Until fisheries managers can meet again to review committee findings later this winter, the RFA reminds anglers that the black sea bass fishery remains closed in federal waters, and are not expected to reopen until spring. "The current legal challenge to reopen the black sea bass fishery immediately is our only hope right now to repeal the NOAA fisheries arbitrary shutdown of that fishery," Hutchinson said, adding that the federal government's attorneys in the legal challenge were recently granted a two-week extension in their allotted timeframe for responding to the challenge. Lead counsels for the RFA in the effort do not expect to hear a response now until January 22, 2010.

More information about the RFA Legal Defense Fund and the efforts to reopen the sea bass fishery can be found on the RFA homepage at www.joinrfa.org.

"While RFA continues to fight on the national level to reopen this important winter fishery, through the dedicated efforts of the RFA-NJ chapter and others, the entire Mid-Atlantic region may see improved access to sea bass this coming summer if 2010 measures are addressed by fisheries managers this spring," said Hutchinson.

RFA-NJ TO HELP ORGANIZE MARCH ON WASHINGTON ON FEB. 24

2010-01-14T09:37:00.002-05:00

Recreational and commercial fishermen, support business owners, families, and community US Capitol Buildingleaders will gather at the steps of our Nation's Capitol on February 24, 2010 from noon until 3 p.m. to show Congress a united front of the impacts caused by the unintended impacts of the Magnuson Stevens Conservation and Management Act as revised effective January, 2007 (MSA).

The RFA has been spearheading lobbying efforts to get the Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2009 passed in both the House and Senate (HR1584/S1255), and will be using this opportunity on the steps of the Capitol to rally additional support for this legislation.

The RFA-NJ chapter is working together with Save the Summer Flounder Fishery Fund (SSFFF), United Boatmen and the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA-NJ) to arrange buses to take fishermen to DC on February 24. Tickets are $32 a person and will be leaving from 'ports' in Atlantic Highlands, Brielle, Wildwood and Bordentown.

To reserve your spot on one of these first buses heading out for the rally, visit
www.ssfff.net. Hurry, these first spots are filling up fast. There's also a bus leaving from Southern Ocean County via Chum Bucket Bait Shop in West Creek, NJ for $30 per person round trip. For reservations, call 609-294-2500.

The United We Fish rally on the steps of the Capitol is being coordinated by many organizations and individuals including but not limited to the Recreational Fishing Alliance, Conservation Cooperative of Gulf Fishermen, United Boatmen, SSFFF, MTA-NJ, Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen's Association, the Florida based Fishing Rights Alliance and the New York Sportfishing Federation.

Stay up to date with details by signing up for email updates at
www.joinrfa.org.

About Recreational Fishing Alliance
The RFA is a national, grassroots political action organization representing recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues. Our mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our Nation's saltwater fisheries. For information, visit www.joinrfa.org.

2010-01-12T18:01:00.002-05:00

OK. So just when we were about to give up all hope it seems the powers to be have FINALLY heard us. After all the meetings, radio interviews and newspaper articles and just when we thought we were talking to deaf ears and pissing against the wind we are finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. If you can pick up the article in today's Asbury Park Press (1/12/10) you will have the up to date info. Don't forget about the rally on Feb. 24th to Washington. Thanx for standing behind us and not letting us give up hope.!!

PS. Thanx to the boatmens association, rfa , ssfff and ALL who have contributed to the cause.

some good news.

2010-01-11T23:49:00.002-05:00

We have not had a lot of good things to say about the recent closures of our fishing industry lately. However after a few recent meetings with the ASMFC, the State and other organizations we have finally been HEARD.!!! This past week many of us have spent HOURS of time to PROTECT OUR rights to fish for sea bass and fluke which are certainly NOT endangered.!! Anyone who has fished in NJ waters knows there are PLENTY of sea bass and fluke out there. The Federal government (NOAA and NMFS) has used FATALLY FLAWED data (which was used to protect US waters from foreign fisheries) to go against the economy of the AMERICANS.!! This is the worst economy we have seen since the 1920's. President Obama is trying to get the American economy back on it's feet while the people he appointed are having a negative "trickle down" effect on our businesses in New Jersey. What's WRONG with this picture.???? We want to take this time to thank Tony B, Ed Y, Jim C, for all the work they have done to keep fishing ALIVE in NJ. And thanx for listening to the trials and tribulations of the Carolyn Ann III. Don't forget about the March On Washington scheduled for Feb. 24th. Go to the websites ssfff.net, news@rfa.org or ANY links to go on the bus trip.WE NEED TO BE HEARD. !! YOU ARE IMPORTANT.!!! NOW MORE THAN EVER BEFORE..!!!

RFA sues to protect rights of individual anglers

2009-11-12T18:42:00.002-05:00

Now that the challenge itself is filed (check out the full complaint as filed in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey at http://www.joinrfa.org/Press/SeaBassComplaint_110409.pdf), the real courtroom challenge is being readied. Our attorneys (Ray Bogan and Herb Moore) know fisheries issues and also know their way around the court room – but you can read the full complain at the link above (posted at our website at www.joinrfa.org) and let folks know that RFA is representing the individual anglers as a plaintiff in this suit; our industry is well-represented as is our entire coastal community.

As Tony Bogan said, this case “goes way beyond sea bass…it addresses the potential action by NMFS in the future to arbitrarily close fisheries on a whim or because of survey trends or ideology.” We need more support on the ground for these efforts - but the case is moving forward!

RFA & ALLIES FILE SUIT ON SEA BASS

2009-11-10T19:01:00.003-05:00

Charges NMFS With "Failure to Comply With The Law"

In a 40-page legal challenge submitted before the U.S. District Court of New Jersey on November 4, the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) and industry allies have officially brought legal action against the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke due to the recent recreational closure of the Atlantic recreational black sea bass fishery. The challenge contends that the recent closure is not only unprecedented for a fish whose stocks are considered rebuilt and not overfished, but that the action is also based upon "misapplication and misuse of a fatally flawed angler survey which NMFS itself has acknowledged is not to be used for this type of decision."

Filed for a dozen specifically named plaintiffs, the official complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief requested expedited consideration in hopes of reversing the six-month sea bass closure as quickly as possible on behalf all saltwater anglers and fishery dependent businesses. According to Capt. Tony Bogan, plaintiff of the United Boatmen, the recent closure of sea bass is only a part of legal equation. "This goes way behind sea bass," Bogan said of the legal argument, adding "it addresses the potential action by NMFS in the future to arbitrarily close fisheries on a whim or because of survey trends or ideology.'

By closing a recreational fishery based on the fatally flawed recreational survey (MRFSS), the suit contends that the government violated numerous provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and National Standard guidelines issued by NMFS. Additionally, it charges the defendants with ignoring countervailing information and for failure to consider less severe alternatives. "As a result of defendants' actions, and failure to comply with the law, the Plaintiffs have suffered, and will continue to suffer, immediate, substantial and irreparable harm, for which there is no adequate remedy at law, and for which they seek expedited relief."

Herb Moore, Jr., RFA co-counsel said the disregard for the spirit and intent of the Magnuson Stevens Act is one thing, but the clear disregard for the legal requirements of the federal fisheries law is something that leads him to be cautiously optimistic. "These cases are very hard to win, but I think we've got some very strong arguments," Moore said, adding "NMFS was extremely arrogant with their sea bass decision and we're calling them out on this one." Moore charges that NMFS was very deliberate in their actions, explaining "they purposely chose an insular approach designed to block public scrutiny by claiming that they had good cause to waive prior notice and the opportunity for public comment."

To view full legal challenge submitted on behalf of the recreational fishing community, visit the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) homepage at www.joinrfa.org (see RFA Legal Defense Fund - The Fight For Angler's Rights.) Anglers and business owners interested in joining the coalition and supporting the legal challenge are encouraged to look for the Donate button on the RFA homepage. Donations may also be mailed to:

RFA Legal Defense Fund
PO Box 3080
New Gretna, NJ 08224

A national, grassroots political action organization representing recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues, the RFA is dedicating all checks made payable to the RFA Legal Defense Fund directly towards these legal efforts outlined above. All donations will be tracked individually, from all groups and individual anglers.

As of the court filing date, $18,855 in donations have been collected towards the initial challenge, though the plaintiffs expect that the real fight is now set to begin.

"This is the beginning of the battle, not the ending by any means," said Moore.

About Recreational Fishing Alliance
The Recreational Fishing Alliance is a national, grassroots political action organization representing recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues. The RFA Mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our Nation's saltwater fisheries. For more information, call 888-JOIN-RFA or visit www.joinrfa.org.

2009-10-29T18:06:00.000-04:00

After reading the next two blogs scroll down until you get to the telephone number and the website address. PLEASE make contact. This person is the CANCER of recreational fishing industry.

RFA TESTIFIES AT CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ON MAGNUSON

2009-10-28T18:20:00.005-04:00

Anglers Charge NMFS With Failing To Meet Mandates

On October 27, the House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife held an oversight hearing on implementation of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 2006 (MSA). Testifying on behalf the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA), Herb Moore, Jr. charged the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) with managing the recreational fishing sector using poor statistical data and by attempting to meet arbitrary rebuilding timelines without adequately fulfilling their own commitments.

"Unfortunately, many in the recreational fishing public have come to view our federal government as the enemy - having experienced decades of larger and larger minimum size limits, shorter seasons and smaller bag limits in fisheries that we know are healthy," Moore said, adding "We believe NMFS needs a complete overhaul in how it views recreational fishing and we believe this Congress can help."

Congress mandated extensive improvements to recreational data collection programs in the 2006 MSA reauthorization. "Unfortunately, NMFS has not met its mandates," Moore said. "The problems with MRFSS have been well-documented for years and it took an act of Congress to get NMFS to move on this, but the process has been slow."

South Carolina charter and party boat Captain Mark Brown said "NMFS continues to move forward like a run-away train," and testified that MSA requirements were leading to the draconian management measures on the red snapper fishery. "These measures are due to the mandates of the rigid and inflexible timeframes set forth within the MSA and are being forced upon the fishermen without sound statistics and without a clear understanding of why fisheries managers are forced to accept scientific information that makes absolutely no sense," Brown said, while vocalizing his support for the Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act.

Sponsored in the House by Rep. Frank Pallone (HR 1584) and in the Senate by Sen. Charles Schumer (S 1255), this "flexibility" legislation would extend the time period for rebuilding certain overfished fisheries provided that certain conditions are met. Pallone noted that because the best available science is generally uncertain, it creates total allowable landing figures that unduly restrict the fishermen, which contributes to his concerns about the rebuilding targets. "Other factors should be included in determining rebuilding targets besides fishing, for instance are environmental factors such as the development and degradation of estuaries," Pallone said, adding that the best way to address these issues in his opinion is through HR 1584 and S 1255.

"Magnuson is clearly a broken instrument of the law that needs to be fixed to allow for more access, conservation, and rebuilding," said Capt. Brown in his testimony.

Click here to read the full RFA report from the October 27 hearing in DC.

To download a copy of Herb Moore's submitted comments to Congress, click here.

For an archived audio version, visit http://resourcescommittee.house.gov.

About Recreational Fishing Alliance
The Recreational Fishing Alliance is a national, grassroots political action organization representing recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues. The RFA Mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our Nation's saltwater fisheries. For more information, call 888-JOIN-RFA or visit www.joinrfa.org.

RFA & ALLIES WILL SUE TO REOPEN SEA BASS FISHERY

2009-10-28T18:16:00.004-04:00

“UNPRECEDENTED” FEDERAL CLOSURE FORCES FISHERMEN INTO LEGAL ACTION

In the midst of the most severe economic crisis since the Great Depression, our federal government has chosen to shut down the recreational fishery for black sea bass for the next six months (effective Monday, October 5, 2009) based on survey data that’s been described as “fatally flawed” by the National Academy of Sciences (read “Fatally Flawed" Science is Killing America's Number One Outdoor Pastime special report at www.joinrfa.org.)

The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) and our local industry allies from New York to the Carolinas are fighting back against this unprecedented and unwarranted shutdown of the black sea bass fishery by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). RFA members throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic believe this is a battle that must be fought, regardless of the outcome and have demanded that we take action. What is at stake is nothing less than our very future as recreational fishermen, and the future of our recreational fishing industry.

During the first days of the closure, a grassroots effort within the recreational fishing community resulted in a successful pledge drive of support for legal action. At the same time, a team of qualified fisheries attorneys and industry professionals was reviewing NMFS’ federal ruling and poring through pages of legal documentation to develop a proper legal strategy. Tackle shop owners and party/charter captains up and down the East Coast, along with scores of individual anglers and RFA members who’ve had enough of these arbitrary federal decisions, have been making donations to the RFA Legal Defense Fund, established specifically for issues like this.

Our legal team is currently working on our plan of attack; now it’s time that we ask individual anglers to come together and support this effort!

According to the scientists' own data, black sea bass is a healthy stock - they are not overfished, no overfishing is occurring, and the most recent stock assessment places the spawning stock biomass (SSB) at 103% of their target. In fact, the SSB has been at or above this level for the past decade. Yet, despite this scientific information, the recreational angling community is being denied access to this vitally important fishery due to “fatally flawed” information coming from the Marine Recreational Fishing Statistical Survey, or MRFSS.

What’s worse is that there seems to be no end in sight to the MRFSS assault. Today it’s the complete shutdown of a healthy sea bass fishery. Next, we can expect an impact on the summer flounder limits for 2010, and scup soon after that. Could striped bass be next? How about tog? If “fatally flawed” data has not impacted your favorite fishery, rest assured it will happen soon enough if we don’t take a stand today. Where does it end if we allow the federal government to continue to use a broken system to deny recreational anglers access to healthy fisheries?

The RFA has assembled an experienced legal team to take on the case to overturn the federal shutdown of the recreational black sea bass fishery. The attorneys involved are fishermen themselves who have fought these battles before so they know this specialized area of the law and there’s no learning curve to be climbed. They’ve already begun working on the case and have formulated a preliminary strategy to challenge this closure under existing federal law.

Litigation is inherently uncertain, and there’s no way to guarantee a successful outcome. However, you can guarantee that if NMFS gets away with this closure, there will be more recreational closures to come. In the coming days, we will be drafting an official complaint which demands that the improper closure of sea bass be set aside.

Now it’s time we unite and show the federal government that recreational anglers will not tolerate arbitrary and capricious regulatory actions that inhibit our ability to utilize a healthy resource, thus violating the very laws set forth by the Magnuson Stevens Act.

If you’re a member of the recreational fishing industry who has already committed to the fight with a pledge, you can support this effort by sending a check today made payable to the “RFA Legal Defense Fund” as follows:

RFA Legal Defense Fund
PO Box 3080
New Gretna, NJ 08224

Please be sure to write "Sea Bass" in the memo of the check and make a notation on the outside of the envelope to the same effect. Your timely response is to the benefit of us all. The Recreational Fishing Alliance will be dedicating all checks made payable to the RFA Legal Defense Fund directly towards these legal efforts outlined above. All donations will be tracked individually, from all groups and individual anglers.

he RFA has also set up a special online account through PayPal in which individual anglers can also make a donation. Many of the tackle shops and captains who rely on your valued service have pledged up to $500 apiece towards the fight. As an individual angler trying to make an honest stand in a tough economy, whatever donation you can offer towards the RFA Legal Defense Fund will be much appreciated.

Visit www.joinrfa.org and look for the DONATE button on the homepage to support the RFA Legal Defense Fund. The RFA Mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our Nation’s saltwater fisheries. To protect your right to fish tomorrow, join the RFA today at www.joinrfa.org or by calling 888-JOIN-RFA.

Big News a Comin'

2009-10-28T17:45:00.002-04:00

After you read the next two newest posts you might want to try these telephone numbers and E Mail addresses.

Jane Lubchenco 1-202-482-3436 or try this Website address...

jane.lubchenco@noaa.gov.

See if you get a response.

latest update

2009-10-20T22:31:00.001-04:00

Hang in there. Waiting for an E Mail from RFA. Maybe a website or two to rattle their heads. !!!

current status

2009-10-10T18:53:00.002-04:00

OK. So we think the radio interview went well. We were REALLY impressed with the spot just before ours. At least someone else agrees the people involved with NMFS and NOAA are CLUELESS and are relying on INCORRECT data. Hope you all got to listen to a true and experienced voice (Dusty) not just ours. More info on RFA is coming soon. They may just have the answer. Hang in there with us. Oh, and thanx for ALL your support regarding your E Mails,telephone calls and letters to your legislators. This is the ONLY weapon we have to deal with these people. REMEMBER ELECTION TIME IS NEAR.

Radio Show

2009-10-07T09:16:00.003-04:00

On Saturday, October 10th Tom Pagliaroli, writer for THE FISHERMAN magazine, will be addressing the current sea bass dilemma on his radio program, Rack 'n Fin. Tune in to 97.3 FM ESPN RADIO at around 9 AM. Don't miss it!!!

additional info on the new CA III website

2009-10-06T21:03:00.001-04:00

Scroll down on the lead page and click on ANYTHING in BLUE ANYWHERE you see it on the website.

One more thing

2009-10-05T22:09:00.004-04:00

It's REALLY late and we are very tired, HOWEVER; we have found the telephone number and the E-Mail address of the HEAD PERSON who is responsible for this TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE. We are holding off announcing it until we explore a few other avenues of exposure. HANG IN THERE. We appreciate all the E Mails you have sent to your LEGISLATORS. By telling them you will not vote for ANYONE who supports NOAA's decision (NMFS). You are protecting your right as an AMERICAN. Also if you can pick up a copy of Monday's Atlantic City Press. You might see and read about a few people you know who are being DIRECTLY EFFECTED by the last decision made by those "BAFFOONS." THANX!!

A GREAT website to go to

2009-10-05T22:01:00.003-04:00

OK. No fishing report this week. We have a much more important matter to address. PLEASE GO TO THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE FOR THE REAL STORY. www.thebassbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=195642. Thanx for your co-operation.

EMERGENCY ACTION REQUIRED NOW!!!

2009-09-30T17:54:00.010-04:00

Sorry to take the current fishing report off this website but this afternoon something DEVASTATING has happened to YOUR RIGHT TO FISH FOR SEA BASS!!!! The National Marine Fish Service has voted to CLOSE SEA BASS FISHING FOR 6 MONTHS STARTING OCTOBER 5th. HOW STUPID IS THIS???? If you have been fishing with us recently you KNOW how many 12" fish we have thrown back. Literally 25-1. It is VERY important that YOU contact the following people at their telephone numbers but ESPECIALLY at the E Mail addresses listed below. It seems we are POLICED TO DEATH. To take away your right to fish and feed your family is non-understandable!! We thought this was AMERICA!!

First go to http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/press_release/2009/News/NR0913/index.html. This will give you the decesion the BUBBLING BAFFONS have made. Next reach the following people at their telephone numbers and E Mail addresses listed. We personally would not re-elect ANYONE who supports this KANGAROO COURT (NMFS). This governmant agency should be DISBANDED!! Insufficient data (and they admit to this) and ancient reports do not tell the story about what is happening NOW!! The words MAY and COULD don't have much substance. Anyway, here are some people you MUST contact IMMEDIATELY.!!!

Assemblyman Brian E Rumph
asmrumph@njleg.org

Senator Christopher J Connors
senconnors@njleg.org

Senator Andrew R Ciesla
senciesla@njleg.org

Assemblyman David W Wolfe
asmwolfe@njleg.org

Senator Frank Lautenberg
http://lautenberg.senate.gov/contact/

Senator Robert Menendez
http://menendez.senate.gov/contact/

Chief, Research Communications
teri.frady@noaa.gov

Communications Specialist
Fishery Policy and Regulations
marjorie.mooney-seus@noaa.gov

Also for the State of New Jersey you can go to http://www.state.nj.us/dep/easyaccess/indexfront.htm
Employee Directory. This will give you an alphabetical listing. Go to F for fish and wildlife reg. officers. It will also give you all the names of the bosses.

We know this is a lot of work. If some of the addresses give you a problem PLEASE work with us. We were just informed of the change at 3 PM this afternoon and this is the best we can do right now. This report will not be erased but will be added to as more information is obtained. Many people don't know that we are obligated by LAW to report our daily catch MONTHLY. Is there any better current information than fishing boats???? I don't think so scooter!!!! We have a FEDERAL PERMIT. Guess who that goes to? PLEASE HELP US AND PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS AS WELL!!!!!

As we are in turmoil right now we ask you not to reply on this blog as we do not have the time to respond to you at this time.

To Be Continued....