You have a valid point Broad Bill. Not only with the tonage required to make a dent in the national quota but also conservation in a nursery area. I have released my share of fish as well. I have also called in every one I have ever kept.
Some of the problem lies with those who don't call in there fish at all, or call in just a few. If we as a group of anglers call in all of the fish caught we would at least develop a historical record that mirrors the number of anglers actually using this fishery. That way the economic impact studys would hold more creditability. If we could prove to the NMFS that each fish caught by charter captins or private recreational boats brought ten times more money to the area economy that the LLers would perhaps we can hold them off longer.
We need to do something because the comerical interests want in and they are going to get there way eventually. They certinally don't care about conservation like the recerational people do. It seems to me you have a full grasp of the problem. What is the soulition? I'm not trying to be a wize guy. I am just upset and concerened about the thought of loosing this fishery as I'm sure yourself and others are as well.
PS Ive tried golf. It's over rated.