Hi Folks,
Sea herring is a vital forage specie for the beloved striped bass and bluefin tuna we fish for in the summer and fall. Harvest methods for these herring are in dire need of improvements.
A 2008 NEFMC management plan vehicle is needed to implement critical changes in the herring fishery:
(1) Ban or restrict midwater trawling for herring, including additional near-shore buffer zones
(2) Shift the management paradigm to recognize that forage fish are worth more to the ecosystem in the water then they are as a commodity. This will be realized as science-based TAC setting.
(3) Implement a comprehensive accountable monitoring and observer program that measures all catch, bycatch, and discards in a real-time manner, including a prohibition on at-sea dumping.We would like to see the NMFS address herring as a priority in 2008. Please take the time to call the 2 numbers below and ask the representatives to make sure the National Marine Fisheries Service prioritizes sea herring in 2008. There isn't much time as there will be a meeting next week. Please call as soon as you can.
Representative Tierney's office.
His phone number is (202)225-8020
Ask to leave a message for Rep. Tierney
"I am calling to encourage Rep. Tierney to send a letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service and the New England Fisheries Management Council to prioritize herring in 2008".Mark Forest, Bill Delahunts Chief of Staff.
His phone number is (202)225-3111.
The message is simple, "We need Congressman Delahunt's help to get the NEFMC to take action in 2008 to fix the Atlantic Sea Herring fishery".THANK YOU ALL !!!
Capt. Bruce & "Marilyn S"
