The problem with our quota

[Break Away]

I think we should begin to look at our on actions or in this case inactions with reguards to our quota. Some of our own recreational fisherman are under reporting swordfish. I know this comes a a big news flash to most of us. But until we educate our own fishing community to the importance of reporting every fish every time this will be an ongoing problem. I think we could put up some pretty impressive numbers if we really wanted to. Untill we can put up some numbers the commerical interests will continue to offer there "help" in catching some of the fish we have here.

What do you guys think the real objection to calling in fish is? Do you think that people don't want the LL's to know the stock has recovered some? They allready know. Or perhaps people don't want to be questioned as to how much fish they really can eat and or/give away. Is it just too much trouble to call in the fish? The first step is to identify the problem. After that we can try to formulate a soulation. Hopfully one that dosen't include LLs.

[Break Away]

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.

[Break Away]

Broad Bill. You had a good post on this topic and now it is gone?

[Broadbill]

I figured I better not stir the pot too much more!

Thanks though!

[Break Away]

I figure the pot needs a good stir. Maybe then more people will call in what they keep.

[Barnacle Bill]

Very likely one of the major problems is that people are going out to fish w/o a NMFS permit. If they do this , they will not report to stay under the radar.
If this applies to you, come on , the permit is only $22! You probably spend more on any one of the following: Bait, beer, lights, not to mention fuel etc. Go get one! Its easy online http://216.12.134.122/initialapp.asp Help the cause and be legal.
Bill

[Break Away]

Getting caught will cost you alot more!

[Sword Hunter]

I think we should have more tournies at least one per month. This data should be recorded and added to the quota. I also think we should give rec anglers a chance to sell some of thier fish. Which ones you ask? We should analize thier report data. Just like a Restricted Species permit you need to qualify for. Tally the top fishermen this will increase the amount of fish bieng reported while also increasing our part of the quota efficiently and provide much needed data, With no ghost fishing and low % unwanted by catch, that can be released unharmed and alive. This would also enable alot of us to go out more and catch more QUOTA plus increase the amount of rec anglers reporting thier catch in order to qualify for the rec/sale permit. The size limits and catch limits the same. Increasing the ammount of rec anglers and charters keeping them on the water more often, tax revenew that is provided to the state from all the rec and charter guys and thier guests would directly increase at least 1/3. Ask yourself a few questions. If you could catch 3 swords and sell them do you think you would go more often. Would it make it easier for you to afford to go more often? Do you think people would report thier catch if thier was a chance to earn a REC/SALE directed sword permit? Would this also be better for the fish? Would it increase the Quota we are able to catch? absolutly in my opinion but thats just me and my 2 cents are free. P.S. sorry for any errors in grammer or spelling