NMFS Announces decision to issue EFP's for the closed zone.

Ron.38 Special · 01-03-2008, 08:06 AM

As I'm sure most expected, NMFS has announced the approval of the EFP's to do bycatch comparison studies in the closed zone.

As has been the case with the PLL industry in the past, we can rest assured that the target catch is Tuna, and not swordfish.

The announcement can be found in the breaking news section of the HMS page.

While the PLL industry will be watching closely to try to use what ever data is collected to push for permanent fishing in the FEC, you can be certain that political pressure would surely make life very hard in the HMS offices of NOAA if any attempt is made to open these zones in the future.

While many comments were supportive with suggestions of modification to the scientific objectives, NMFS made little in the way of changes to make this research more meaningfull.

About all they will be able to do is compare sets made outside the zone with those made at similar times within the zone. Any stretching of the data to make assumptions about bycatch reduction or juvenile mortality would make for some stinky science with the limited data collection.

It is unfortunate that NMFS has not taken this opportunity to collect the maximum amount of data.

ProfessorO · 01-03-2008, 08:52 AM

We all knew that this was going to happen given the politics. It is
a shame when science is used as a veil to disguise pure political
objectives, but that has been the last 7 yrs in washington. Studies
like this have been done before. In particular, the NOAA-supported
2005 report by Bolton et al., "Experiment to evaluate gear modification on
rates of sea turtle by-catch in the swordfish longline fishery in
the Azores-Phase 4 Final project Report" states as their first
main conclusion that, "Experiments can be conducted successfully
in the Azores with the commercial fleet, and the results can be
exported to other regions and ocean basins." In this study, they
collected more data than the new proposed study and this is one
of the studies that also suggested the use of large circle hooks.
Of course, I put all of this and more into my letter to the powers-to-be.
cheers, arthur

Broadbill-Pro · 01-03-2008, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron.38 Special

About all they will be able to do is compare sets made outside the zone with those made at similar times within the zone. Any stretching of the data to make assumptions about bycatch reduction or juvenile mortality would make for some stinky science with the limited data collection.

It is unfortunate that NMFS has not taken this opportunity to collect the maximum amount of data.

UMMMMMMM that would have been the 13 vessels with Observers operating North of 27'30N that you lead the stampede against last year.

Regardless of what approach HMS takes you find fault with it. Every proposed study is inadequate in your eyes, it seems to be the norm these days for Americans to sit in the comfort of their secure homes and criticize everything the Goverment does.

The experiment has been reduced by 50% as half of the sets will be conducted outside of the closed area.

So lets get this straight, from 13 vessels it has been reduced to 2 and the 289 proposed sets has been reduced by 50% to 144 inside the Northern section of the closed zone and still you are unhappy. Now the experiment is too limited????? Please offer us your idea of an adequate experiment. This forum can provide several threads where you start the sh!t and then never post again, possibly this time you will follow thru.

The fear of successful PLL bycatch reduction is written all over your face. I will remind you again that the North Atlantic Swordfish stock does not belong to 1 or 2 user groups, it is a resource of the American people both fishing and non-fishing alike.

Broadbill-Pro · 01-03-2008, 09:22 AM

[quote=ProfessorO;74907"Experiments can be conducted successfully
in the Azores with the commercial fleet, and the results can be
exported to other regions and ocean basins." [/QUOTE]

Arthur,

With all due respect, the use of large circle hooks in regard to sea turtle bycatch can certainly be implemented in any ocean.

From what I can see, HMS has offered the least imposing experiment possible and at the same time is notifying ICCAT that we intend to increase our swordfish production.

I would certainly like to hear your idea of achieving this as well as Ron's.

ProfessorO · 01-03-2008, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broadbill-Pro

Arthur,

With all due respect, the use of large circle hooks in regard to sea turtle bycatch can certainly be implemented in any ocean.

From what I can see, HMS has offered the least imposing experiment possible and at the same time is notifying ICCAT that we intend to increase our swordfish production.

I would certainly like to hear your idea of achieving this as well as Ron's.

I also believe that the bycatch numbers of other species besides turtles
can also be applied here with easily-estimated weighting factors. Your statement is right on about what this all means.

I have a problem with using science as a tool for reaching political
goals when the science is not going to benefit.

I've stated it before; IF the goverment decided that reaching the quota
is a must, then we should open up pieces of the closed zones for limited
times. The areas and time windows for the openings should be based on
optimizing the conflicting requirements of conservation/minimum bycatch
and efficient harvesting of swords by opening zones after major spawning
events and marlin migrations, while giving the PLL'rs the right time
windows to allow realistic (economical) relocation of the fleet and to avoid major conflict with the recreational fleet. Areas that are the major spawning grounds such as the FL straits and the DeSoto Canyon should remain fully closed.

Vinnie, how does Tuna fit into this picture??? cheers, arthur

Broadbill-Pro · 01-03-2008, 03:07 PM

Tuna is a desired bycatch, there are no restrictions or reasons to restrict Yfin and Beye bycatch. If those 2 vessels are required to fish in specific areas, then it is fair to say they will suffer financially from this experiment. Example: Thru networking other vessels may be mugging fish in other areas but these vessels will not be able to participate. This is bound to happen in a 12 month cycle.

I believe that information on bycatch of billfish, turtles, etc. in regard to time/area is also a goal of this experiment and would result in the structure of future time/area regulations.

Flyin By · 01-03-2008, 08:18 PM

Regardless of the science and results, it still sounds like politics. My question is will there be a minimum distance from shore they will have to maintain? And will they make the trips available to the public so if they are there we wont waste out time. It saddens me to know this effects the area I fish directly. We had some of our area rec people writing letters but It seems like it was not enough. It will be only a matter of time when they want south florida waters also. Sad to say but we have a fishary of juvenile fish. Out of all the fish caught between myself and other vessels I fish with the majority of swords are small 30"- 45". Yes we do get the big momma wonce in a while and the awsome run offs and pulled hooks but What I see in the light and on the deck of my boat are small fish returned to the sea.

quack quack · 01-04-2008, 07:50 AM

They have to stay east of the axis of the stream.

Bait Washer · 01-04-2008, 07:56 AM

Bill,
You are addressing a forum of mostly southern fishermen who have no recent knowledge of the fishery north of the 27 -30 and those with commercial interests.
Until our juvinile fishery is raped and pilaged to the point the population of fish to the south declines your voice is going to be unheard.

The BEAST · 01-05-2008, 11:16 PM

Bait Washer,

That is an unfair statement! We have fought to keep the PLL out PERIOD! Not just out of the Straits. I wish Florida would set a precedent and ban PLL fishing for any species, altogether.

Vinnie keeps saying that the resource belongs to everyone. Every US citizen has the right to go out and catch 1 fish per night. That excuse is lame and only a way to try and resurrect a dying dinosaur fleet of a few remaining boats which hardly contribute the billions of dollars of revenue to our state as recreational fishing does.

This was an easy win for them this time. Half of this forum had turned coat and sided with the EFP's. No matter what tactics they used this time, it was effective. As soon as I saw the rec sector split I knew it was over for us.

Congratulations Vinnie, Rich Ruiz, and BWFA. With your foot in the door and a fair showing on your part, you will be able to return to Florida in strength to slaughter the fish again. Appears this may be a 5-7 year cycle about to happen... PLL... ban... rebuild... PLL... ban... rebuild... the US just never learns from their mistakes, ie; Korea, Viet Nam, Iraq

I forgot to add: remember Osama BinLaden and Afghanistan... don't hear much about the real reason to fight!

miamiangler1 · 01-06-2008, 07:09 PM

the US just never learns from their mistakes, ie; Korea, Viet Nam, Iraq

I forgot to add: remember Osama BinLaden and Afghanistan... don't hear much about the real reason to fight![/quote]

Jim , you forgot all of the other Bush sh$t , 911, and the hunt for weapons of mass destruction

Fishalways · 01-06-2008, 07:11 PM

It was fun while it lasted.
Now I'm glad I didn't spend any money on deep dropping equipment for daytiming.

miamiangler1 · 01-06-2008, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishalways

It was fun while it lasted.
Now I'm glad I didn't spend any money on deep dropping equipment for daytiming.

you still can do it manually

Broadbill-Pro · 01-06-2008, 09:01 PM

One more time, the science needs to be conducted to determine good, bad or otherwise. HMS can not take the word of an impartial sector as being the final decision.

It amazes me how some that had all the answers in the past are so quick to raise the hand of the commercial sector. Possibly you knew all along that you were fighting a battle with deceit.

I am not certain that the results of the EA will be pro-commercial, there are many other factors besides there being enough swordfish to support a commercial fleet. The EA will be comparable to walking a high-wire with everyone looking for a messy fall.

There will not be unrestricted PLL in the closed zone anytime soon, the EA is for one year and then the results will take another year to develope a rule.

I for one expect HMS to create a rule that keeps swordfish at MSY, while allowing all sectors access. By not loosing focus of that, the gloom and doom that is being expressed here should not occur.

bajakian · 01-06-2008, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miamiangler1

you still can do it manually

Did they outlaw fishing with electrics?

The BEAST · 01-06-2008, 09:41 PM

Vinnie,

I gave up a few months ago! The writing was on the wall! As I said, when many on this forum turned the other cheek, I knew our boat was swamped!

I learned many moons ago that our government doesn't give a rats pizz about the little guy. Money talks and whoever can grease the pan gets the fried fish. I fell into a lull thinking that this time it might be different. I don't say this too often... I WAS WRONG!

We were offered land and a mule and when the smoke of the battle cleared we only got the shaft!

Why should we think it would be any different this time. The oil companies make record profits each passing quarter with NO regulation. They can raise fuel prices for any reason... I think a frog just farted on the #73 platform 125 miles off Texas... raise the gas prices 10 cents a gallon just in case.

I hope you are happy with the decision. Frankly I can go without Sword fishing... hell I did it for 15 years after you guys ****** it up the last time.

Good luck! Going to be a whole lot of "I told you so's" in the future for those that caved and turned coat this time.

Tuna Devil · 01-06-2008, 10:00 PM

[quote=The BEAST;75130]

I hope you are happy with the decision. Frankly I can go without Sword fishing... hell I did it for 15 years after you guys ****** it up the last time.

QUOTE]

Way to bail on your cause.

The BEAST · 01-06-2008, 11:18 PM

WHATEVER!

One day I get PM threats to shut up and the next day I hear your comment.

I could type an essay that would make Risk Taker's posts look like a memo! I can only ask myself, what would be the point?

RiskTaker · 01-06-2008, 11:23 PM

Capt. Jim:

Keep your arms and other assault weapons fully loaded, for it ain't over until the fat lady has sung. We may need to complain some more.

Perhaps, it may be necessary to sample the waters; hopefully, with sound science involved. But I hear your pessimism. I hope this is NOT the case.

But scientific studies must go on. Hopefully, guided by science, then duly acknowledged by political objectives. We do have the right to intervene, as needed.

You have been very vocal on this forum, and I salute you for your stance. I would like to say that I also want a robust fishery in our waters, yet we must stay tuned to everything else happening concurrently.

I wish the Bluefin tuna exploitation would slow down, in a significant way,
before they are depleted in such a SAD way: I suppose that is what ICCAT is for ? ? ?

Oh heavens to Betsy, are they Sober to Manage the helm? Maybe not ?

We really need a very strong voice from this shore, to shore it up! Without such, our fishery and others are doomed to mediocrity. Sure, there will be some fish, in places. But I must say that my last trip to Malaysia, indicates strongly that severe exploitation DOES exist, and it will be RAMPANT, as the Asia rim develops, at our demise. I am Freedom minded, but we need some sounded regulations.

If you have not seen it already by now; Capt. Jim, I am addressing a general audience and not you directly, but there is a boat load of stuff happening: such that we need to get our shit in order, and Fast.

I suggest that we mandate ICCAT to reduce the Quota, and as a bonus reward the U.S. of A., and other nations that are conserving, if any, a bonus because, we foresee fish as an enduring food source. Truly, we do not just play with it: but in a sense of some conservancy, many anglers do release fish for the well being of the fishery. Such goes the reputation of the N. American (USA) Angler abroad. We also import, to a Fault. (We must also be cognizant of the competition, yet we must secure the opportunities to innovate and develop domestically.) Sorry for the political mantra, but it is painfully true.

Personally, I like to catch fish for food, probably because that is the way this European man is; although I was born in Californ I A. So close to Mexico too !

Speaking of which, I just wonder how Bajakian has made out on his getaway to the Pacific coast? To change the topic .... after that sober awakening... Just the beginning of 2008 !

01-03-2008, 08:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
Ron.38 Special Hooked Up Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 209	NMFS Announces decision to issue EFP's for the closed zone. As I'm sure most expected, NMFS has announced the approval of the EFP's to do bycatch comparison studies in the closed zone. As has been the case with the PLL industry in the past, we can rest assured that the target catch is Tuna, and not swordfish. The announcement can be found in the breaking news section of the HMS page. While the PLL industry will be watching closely to try to use what ever data is collected to push for permanent fishing in the FEC, you can be certain that political pressure would surely make life very hard in the HMS offices of NOAA if any attempt is made to open these zones in the future. While many comments were supportive with suggestions of modification to the scientific objectives, NMFS made little in the way of changes to make this research more meaningfull. About all they will be able to do is compare sets made outside the zone with those made at similar times within the zone. Any stretching of the data to make assumptions about bycatch reduction or juvenile mortality would make for some stinky science with the limited data collection. It is unfortunate that NMFS has not taken this opportunity to collect the maximum amount of data.

01-03-2008, 08:52 AM	#2 (permalink)
ProfessorO Hooked Up Join Date: May 2004 Location: Hollywood, FL Boat: Wellcraft 270 Coastal Best Catch: All of them Occupation: Professor of Physical Oceanography Posts: 471	We all knew that this was going to happen given the politics. It is a shame when science is used as a veil to disguise pure political objectives, but that has been the last 7 yrs in washington. Studies like this have been done before. In particular, the NOAA-supported 2005 report by Bolton et al., "Experiment to evaluate gear modification on rates of sea turtle by-catch in the swordfish longline fishery in the Azores-Phase 4 Final project Report" states as their first main conclusion that, "Experiments can be conducted successfully in the Azores with the commercial fleet, and the results can be exported to other regions and ocean basins." In this study, they collected more data than the new proposed study and this is one of the studies that also suggested the use of large circle hooks. Of course, I put all of this and more into my letter to the powers-to-be. cheers, arthur __________________ Writing has proven to be hard work, often painful. I can honestly say that I would rather be fishing (Linda Greenlaw, The Hungry Ocean, 1999).

01-03-2008, 08:18 PM	#7 (permalink)
Flyin By Hooked Up Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sebastian, FL Boat: 29' Hydra-Sports CC two F225 Yams and lots of toys Occupation: School Resource Officer Posts: 210	Regardless of the science and results, it still sounds like politics. My question is will there be a minimum distance from shore they will have to maintain? And will they make the trips available to the public so if they are there we wont waste out time. It saddens me to know this effects the area I fish directly. We had some of our area rec people writing letters but It seems like it was not enough. It will be only a matter of time when they want south florida waters also. Sad to say but we have a fishary of juvenile fish. Out of all the fish caught between myself and other vessels I fish with the majority of swords are small 30"- 45". Yes we do get the big momma wonce in a while and the awsome run offs and pulled hooks but What I see in the light and on the deck of my boat are small fish returned to the sea. __________________ "When the Lights go off, its time to play"

01-04-2008, 07:50 AM	#8 (permalink)
quack quack Old Salt Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: lake worth Best Catch: 25lb codfish 5 yrs old first hanger Posts: 4,424	They have to stay east of the axis of the stream. __________________ Either we can be a part of the solution or we can be the victims of a decision.

01-05-2008, 11:16 PM	#10 (permalink)
The BEAST Charter Captain Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Miami/upper Keys Boat: 2007 WorldCat 330TE / 300 Suzuki's Best Catch: every catch is my best catch Occupation: charter captain Posts: 765	Bait Washer, That is an unfair statement! We have fought to keep the PLL out PERIOD! Not just out of the Straits. I wish Florida would set a precedent and ban PLL fishing for any species, altogether. Vinnie keeps saying that the resource belongs to everyone. Every US citizen has the right to go out and catch 1 fish per night. That excuse is lame and only a way to try and resurrect a dying dinosaur fleet of a few remaining boats which hardly contribute the billions of dollars of revenue to our state as recreational fishing does. This was an easy win for them this time. Half of this forum had turned coat and sided with the EFP's. No matter what tactics they used this time, it was effective. As soon as I saw the rec sector split I knew it was over for us. Congratulations Vinnie, Rich Ruiz, and BWFA. With your foot in the door and a fair showing on your part, you will be able to return to Florida in strength to slaughter the fish again. Appears this may be a 5-7 year cycle about to happen... PLL... ban... rebuild... PLL... ban... rebuild... the US just never learns from their mistakes, ie; Korea, Viet Nam, Iraq I forgot to add: remember Osama BinLaden and Afghanistan... don't hear much about the real reason to fight! __________________ Capt. Jim, The BEAST 2007 WorldCat 330TE / 300 Suzuki's Last edited by The BEAST : 01-05-2008 at 11:19 PM.

01-03-2008, 09:22 AM	#4 (permalink)
Broadbill-Pro Grander Join Date: Jan 2006 Best Catch: When I look at a Commercial Fishing Vessel I see 300 million Americans and you only see the Crew Posts: 1,184	[quote=ProfessorO;74907"Experiments can be conducted successfully in the Azores with the commercial fleet, and the results can be exported to other regions and ocean basins." [/QUOTE] Arthur, With all due respect, the use of large circle hooks in regard to sea turtle bycatch can certainly be implemented in any ocean. From what I can see, HMS has offered the least imposing experiment possible and at the same time is notifying ICCAT that we intend to increase our swordfish production. I would certainly like to hear your idea of achieving this as well as Ron's.

01-03-2008, 03:07 PM	#6 (permalink)
Broadbill-Pro Grander Join Date: Jan 2006 Best Catch: When I look at a Commercial Fishing Vessel I see 300 million Americans and you only see the Crew Posts: 1,184	Tuna is a desired bycatch, there are no restrictions or reasons to restrict Yfin and Beye bycatch. If those 2 vessels are required to fish in specific areas, then it is fair to say they will suffer financially from this experiment. Example: Thru networking other vessels may be mugging fish in other areas but these vessels will not be able to participate. This is bound to happen in a 12 month cycle. I believe that information on bycatch of billfish, turtles, etc. in regard to time/area is also a goal of this experiment and would result in the structure of future time/area regulations.

01-04-2008, 07:56 AM	#9 (permalink)
Bait Washer Lines In Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Sebastian,Fl. Boat: boats and fishing Occupation: manager Posts: 85	Bill, You are addressing a forum of mostly southern fishermen who have no recent knowledge of the fishery north of the 27 -30 and those with commercial interests. Until our juvinile fishery is raped and pilaged to the point the population of fish to the south declines your voice is going to be unheard.

01-06-2008, 07:09 PM	#11 (permalink)
miamiangler1 Grander Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: north miami, keystone point Boat: ,live bait ,deep dropping,swordfishing Best Catch: 7ft sailfish on 10#test with diawaBG20, 100#tarpon on 6#test baitcaster bass rod Occupation: selfemployed,real estate, painter,model builder Posts: 1,471	the US just never learns from their mistakes, ie; Korea, Viet Nam, Iraq I forgot to add: remember Osama BinLaden and Afghanistan... don't hear much about the real reason to fight![/quote] Jim , you forgot all of the other Bush sh$t , 911, and the hunt for weapons of mass destruction

01-06-2008, 07:11 PM	#12 (permalink)
Fishalways Hooked Up Join Date: Sep 2006 Boat: 206 Kencraft Best Catch: 450# Blue Marlin, Walkers Cay Posts: 619	It was fun while it lasted. Now I'm glad I didn't spend any money on deep dropping equipment for daytiming. __________________ I am an atheist.

01-06-2008, 09:01 PM	#14 (permalink)
Broadbill-Pro Grander Join Date: Jan 2006 Best Catch: When I look at a Commercial Fishing Vessel I see 300 million Americans and you only see the Crew Posts: 1,184	One more time, the science needs to be conducted to determine good, bad or otherwise. HMS can not take the word of an impartial sector as being the final decision. It amazes me how some that had all the answers in the past are so quick to raise the hand of the commercial sector. Possibly you knew all along that you were fighting a battle with deceit. I am not certain that the results of the EA will be pro-commercial, there are many other factors besides there being enough swordfish to support a commercial fleet. The EA will be comparable to walking a high-wire with everyone looking for a messy fall. There will not be unrestricted PLL in the closed zone anytime soon, the EA is for one year and then the results will take another year to develope a rule. I for one expect HMS to create a rule that keeps swordfish at MSY, while allowing all sectors access. By not loosing focus of that, the gloom and doom that is being expressed here should not occur.

01-06-2008, 09:41 PM	#16 (permalink)
The BEAST Charter Captain Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Miami/upper Keys Boat: 2007 WorldCat 330TE / 300 Suzuki's Best Catch: every catch is my best catch Occupation: charter captain Posts: 765	Vinnie, I gave up a few months ago! The writing was on the wall! As I said, when many on this forum turned the other cheek, I knew our boat was swamped! I learned many moons ago that our government doesn't give a rats pizz about the little guy. Money talks and whoever can grease the pan gets the fried fish. I fell into a lull thinking that this time it might be different. I don't say this too often... I WAS WRONG! We were offered land and a mule and when the smoke of the battle cleared we only got the shaft! Why should we think it would be any different this time. The oil companies make record profits each passing quarter with NO regulation. They can raise fuel prices for any reason... I think a frog just farted on the #73 platform 125 miles off Texas... raise the gas prices 10 cents a gallon just in case. I hope you are happy with the decision. Frankly I can go without Sword fishing... hell I did it for 15 years after you guys ****** it up the last time. Good luck! Going to be a whole lot of "I told you so's" in the future for those that caved and turned coat this time. __________________ Capt. Jim, The BEAST 2007 WorldCat 330TE / 300 Suzuki's

01-06-2008, 10:00 PM	#17 (permalink)
Tuna Devil Grander Join Date: Nov 2005 Occupation: Pirate Posts: 1,823	[quote=The BEAST;75130] I hope you are happy with the decision. Frankly I can go without Sword fishing... hell I did it for 15 years after you guys ****** it up the last time. QUOTE] Way to bail on your cause. __________________ What do you mean I'm not kind? I'm just not your kind.

01-06-2008, 11:18 PM	#18 (permalink)
The BEAST Charter Captain Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Miami/upper Keys Boat: 2007 WorldCat 330TE / 300 Suzuki's Best Catch: every catch is my best catch Occupation: charter captain Posts: 765	WHATEVER! One day I get PM threats to shut up and the next day I hear your comment. I could type an essay that would make Risk Taker's posts look like a memo! I can only ask myself, what would be the point? __________________ Capt. Jim, The BEAST 2007 WorldCat 330TE / 300 Suzuki's

01-06-2008, 11:23 PM	#19 (permalink)
RiskTaker Grander Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pompano Beach, Florida, USA Best Catch: Boricua, 155 Posts: 1,922	We may need to complain some more .... Capt. Jim: Keep your arms and other assault weapons fully loaded, for it ain't over until the fat lady has sung. We may need to complain some more. Perhaps, it may be necessary to sample the waters; hopefully, with sound science involved. But I hear your pessimism. I hope this is NOT the case. But scientific studies must go on. Hopefully, guided by science, then duly acknowledged by political objectives. We do have the right to intervene, as needed. You have been very vocal on this forum, and I salute you for your stance. I would like to say that I also want a robust fishery in our waters, yet we must stay tuned to everything else happening concurrently. I wish the Bluefin tuna exploitation would slow down, in a significant way, before they are depleted in such a SAD way: I suppose that is what ICCAT is for ? ? ? Oh heavens to Betsy, are they Sober to Manage the helm? Maybe not ? We really need a very strong voice from this shore, to shore it up! Without such, our fishery and others are doomed to mediocrity. Sure, there will be some fish, in places. But I must say that my last trip to Malaysia, indicates strongly that severe exploitation DOES exist, and it will be RAMPANT, as the Asia rim develops, at our demise. I am Freedom minded, but we need some sounded regulations. If you have not seen it already by now; Capt. Jim, I am addressing a general audience and not you directly, but there is a boat load of stuff happening: such that we need to get our shit in order, and Fast. I suggest that we mandate ICCAT to reduce the Quota, and as a bonus reward the U.S. of A., and other nations that are conserving, if any, a bonus because, we foresee fish as an enduring food source. Truly, we do not just play with it: but in a sense of some conservancy, many anglers do release fish for the well being of the fishery. Such goes the reputation of the N. American (USA) Angler abroad. We also import, to a Fault. (We must also be cognizant of the competition, yet we must secure the opportunities to innovate and develop domestically.) Sorry for the political mantra, but it is painfully true. Personally, I like to catch fish for food, probably because that is the way this European man is; although I was born in Californ I A. So close to Mexico too ! Speaking of which, I just wonder how Bajakian has made out on his getaway to the Pacific coast? To change the topic .... after that sober awakening... Just the beginning of 2008 !