Wow - Swordfish & Longlines

JupiterSailfish · 06-04-2007, 06:15 PM

I don't know if this has been posted before, but this is shocking.

Fed-up Commercial Longliner Reveals Nightmarish Killing on High Seas

mneptune · 06-04-2007, 06:42 PM

Most of us that have been fishing the darkside have seen this in years passed

It's hard to believe that the NMFS is actually considering letting these guys back in under the guise of scientific research

Just goes to show the old axiom is true...those that do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it

Just say NO to commercial longlining, drift netting, gill netting in not only Florida waters but all US coastal waters!!

Gaitor · 06-06-2007, 07:13 AM

Thanks for that report JS. The longliner was saying what we recs have known for some time.
Just goes to show you what a corrupt regulatory system we have. It's not about the conservation ... it's about the almighty dollar.

Flyin By · 06-06-2007, 09:55 AM

That should be released to the people who count. I have been writing countless letters but information from the horses mouth is compelling. My 9 year ol even wrote a letter. She likes to see the swords as well as the table value.

Thumper235 · 06-06-2007, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mneptune

Most of us that have been fishing the darkside have seen this in years passed

It's hard to believe that the NMFS is actually considering letting these guys back in under the guise of scientific research

Just goes to show the old axiom is true...those that do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it

Just say NO to commercial longlining, drift netting, gill netting in not only Florida waters but all US coastal waters!!

I agree, it just makes no sense.

CaptKen · 06-06-2007, 02:24 PM

FS: In ten years, what did you notice as far as trends in the fishing?

LONGLINER: I noticed how, when we first started, it wasn’t nothing to catch four or five thousand pounds in seven days. Now you got to stay out longer;the fishing’s just getting worse and worse. But the thing that really got tome was having to throw back all them dead fish, all them dead swordfish. There’d be days when 40 or 50 fish, all under size, we’d throw back in the water.

I fished during this time, I saw it first hand, all the dead the dead swordfish floating along,
This is just 1 boat ! imagine multiplying this 1 boat times 10 20 boats a night around here then 30 40 all up the coast !
The GREED to destroy a resource just to make a buck blows my mind.

mneptune · 06-06-2007, 03:11 PM

Disco Lady · 06-06-2007, 07:16 PM

Broadbill-Pro · 06-07-2007, 02:23 PM

It's amazing that the data from the NMFS, Fisheries Scientists and Fisherman who spend +300 days a year at sea can consistantly be disbuted, but the anonymous opinion of one mullet gutter translated by a recreational magazine is written in stone.

can you say PATHETIC

miamiangler1 · 06-07-2007, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broadbill-Pro

It's amazing that the data from the NMFS, Fisheries Scientists and Fisherman who spend +300 days a year at sea can consistantly be disbuted, but the anonymous opinion of one mullet gutter translated by a recreational magazine is written in stone.

can you say PATHETIC

Figured you would say something to that fact ... but in reality it`s pathetic what the PLL have done to the sword population in general , now they still want in to the closed zones to target ... big tuna for big bucks that`s the real story .

mneptune · 06-07-2007, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miamiangler1

Figured you would say something to that fact ... but in reality it`s pathetic what the PLL have done to the sword population in general , now they still want in to the closed zones to target ... big tuna for big bucks that`s the real story .

Willi,

Your right on the money. Longliners just don't understand how destructive their gear is. To them, its the money, not the resource thats important.

I have said it before, I've known some of the commercial guys and some of them were solid people just trying to make a living for themselves and their families. However, PLL gear with miles of lines and thousands of hooks that catch and kill premature swordfish as well as marlin, dolphin, tuna and other sealife just does not make sense if we want to see future generations have the opportunity to catch these fish.

Personally, I have no problem if a commercial fisherman wants to go out and catch swordfish on rod and reel like the rec fisherman do, abide by the same limits etc., and then sell his catch. Their catch would be far less limited, premature fish could be released unharmed and bycatch would be greatly reduced if not eliminated.

More important than anything else is to maintain healthy reproducing populations of all our marine species for future generations.

Just my .02

miamiangler1 · 06-07-2007, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mneptune

Willi,

Your right on the money. Longliners just don't understand how destructive their gear is. To them, its the money, not the resource thats important.

I have said it before, I've known some of the commercial guys and some of them were solid people just trying to make a living for themselves and their families. However, PLL gear with miles of lines and thousands of hooks that catch and kill premature swordfish as well as marlin, dolphin, tuna and other sealife just does not make sense if we want to see future generations have the opportunity to catch these fish.

Personally, I have no problem if a commercial fisherman wants to go out and catch swordfish on rod and reel like the rec fisherman do, abide by the same limits etc., and then sell his catch. Their catch would be far less limited, premature fish could be released unharmed and bycatch would be greatly reduced if not eliminated.

More important than anything else is to maintain healthy reproducing populations of all our marine species for ourselves and future generations.

Just my .02

I agree , there are better way`s to catch swords .. I dont mind the bouy `s guys fishing ... there`s no bycatch and they are on top of there gear all night .... they release the pup`s unharmed ... there are probably few that dont make it ... but it`s much better then seeing lots of floating swords dead from the PLL when it takes them till the afternoon checking their gear !

pelagic predator · 06-07-2007, 10:45 PM

Broadbill-Pro · 06-08-2007, 06:28 AM

If you guys are so concerned, why are your efforts so shallow and only focused on the American Fisherman? On a Global scale the American domestic vessel is responsibile for less than 5% of migratory species harvested and bycatch mortalities. Don't give me the BS you have no control of other Nations, by keeping our share of the ICCAT quota we retain the power to make a Global difference.

Given recent decisions by NMFS HMS in regard to circle hook requirments and PLL vessel upgrades, I must say that our debate makes no difference in policy. Those were two issues that had commercial, recreational and Scientific support and the decision went the opposite way. I have to believe that Dr. Hogarth has the PLL decision tucked away in his desk regardless of all your letters and whimpering. It's all been said, there is no reason to delay further.

Gaitor · 06-08-2007, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broadbill-Pro

If you guys are so concerned, why are your efforts so shallow and only focused on the American Fisherman? On a Global scale the American domestic vessel is responsibile for less than 5% of migratory species harvested and bycatch mortalities. Don't give me the BS you have no control of other Nations, by keeping our share of the ICCAT quota we retain the power to make a Global difference.

Given recent decisions by NMFS HMS in regard to circle hook requirments and PLL vessel upgrades, I must say that our debate makes no difference in policy. Those were two issues that had commercial, recreational and Scientific support and the decision went the opposite way. I have to believe that Dr. Hogarth has the PLL decision tucked away in his desk regardless of all your letters and whimpering. It's all been said, there is no reason to delay further.

So what do you want us to do? Just let the Longliners back in and totally destroy the resource we all treasure? We've already witnessed the near collapse of the fishery in the 70's and 80's. Face it ... longlining is just too effecient a method for catching fish, but at the same time is totally indiscriminant as to what it kills. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY AND NO CONSIDERATION FOR THE LONG TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF ANY OF OUR FISHERIES. Can you spell GREED boys and girls?

Broadbill-Pro · 06-08-2007, 07:46 AM

Collapse? What are you talking about? Swordfish thrived in the Caribbean Sea, Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Grand Banks, Both sides of the Atlantic Equator and the entire South Atlantic in the years you mentioned and now. Log books and weight slips confirm this.

This is a Florida recreational fishing issue. You do not want the fish caught in your pond before you get the chance to catch them. You have no regard for the fact that almost all of the fish you catch have never spawned. Your blowing the conservation wind up the wrong ass.

Ron.38 Special · 06-08-2007, 09:06 AM

BP,

You are right, Hogarth has his decision tucked away in his desk, just waiting for early July to announce it.

Problem is, he now is finding that the political pressure to stop the ill fated "experiment" is greater than his will to cater to a small group of 60 fisherman.

This one will again be rejected in spite of the influence and lobbying by Blue Water. Majority rules!

Gaitor · 06-08-2007, 11:09 AM

Quote from Broadbill-Pro
"This is a Florida recreational fishing issue. You do not want the fish caught in your pond before you get the chance to catch them. You have no regard for the fact that almost all of the fish you catch have never spawned. Your blowing the conservation wind up the wrong ass."

So you want to allow the PLL's to come in and rob the cradle once again?
And what about all the bycatch? I stand on the accusation that it is all about the greed and the bucks.
Go back and read the original EFP request ..... That is just sooo much horse pucky.

Broadbill-Pro · 06-08-2007, 12:44 PM

I have issues with the EFP request and have been vocal about it as well as the experimental bouy project that was proposed on a local PLL vessel, but if your going to allow the cradle to be robbed (rec & buoy) then limited access should be granted to all (with bycatch triggers set).

To say that greed and bucks is the motive behind Fisherman wanting to earn more is no different than any of us trying to excel in our profession of choice. It is not about disregard for gods creatures as many would want you to believe.

mneptune is correct by saying that bad apples exist in the commercial fishing industry, possibly the Captain of the vessel that mullet gutter fished on was one, but as with all professions the majority operate within the law and with a conscience. Any vessel that knowingly set on 40 or 50 rats a day would not be accepted by his peers or last very long in the industry. Longline is not dirty gear in the right hands.

John Doe · 06-09-2007, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miamiangler1

I agree , there are better way`s to catch swords .. I dont mind the bouy `s guys fishing ... there`s no bycatch and they are on top of there gear all night .... they release the pup`s unharmed ... there are probably few that dont make it ... but it`s much better then seeing lots of floating swords dead from the PLL when it takes them till the afternoon checking their gear !

I have some bad news for you guys that keep saying this about the buoys:

I witnessed a nice sportfish the other night settin buoys as far as the eye could see, high flyers, radar deflectors the whole 9 yards, If had to guess I would say at least 25 and I would bet 35. You have a few more of these setups out there and it wont be so pretty.The real numbers of fish they are puttin a hurtin on is not getting out to the general public as the are keepin it to themselves if you will. for instance this week a small openfish buoy boat caught 15 in 1 night ! when is the last time you caught 15 in night on a rod ? You do the math, just think, a few more of these big boys fishing on nights when it 4' and all the fair weather fisherman are at home playin on their computers, and it goes on night after night while the wind blows for a week. It wont be long before everyone is saying the Buoy guys got um all instead if the longliners got um all !

Just some food for thought
John

06-04-2007, 06:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
JupiterSailfish Hooked Up Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Jupiter, FL Best Catch: 170lb Swordy - Tag Teamed it Posts: 579	Wow - Swordfish & Longlines I don't know if this has been posted before, but this is shocking. Fed-up Commercial Longliner Reveals Nightmarish Killing on High Seas

06-04-2007, 06:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
mneptune Hooked Up Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Palm Beach Boat: Grady White 25' CC Best Catch: She won't let me talk about her on here Occupation: good ole SOB Posts: 298	Most of us that have been fishing the darkside have seen this in years passed It's hard to believe that the NMFS is actually considering letting these guys back in under the guise of scientific research Just goes to show the old axiom is true...those that do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it Just say NO to commercial longlining, drift netting, gill netting in not only Florida waters but all US coastal waters!! __________________ I FISH THEREFORE IAM

06-06-2007, 09:55 AM	#4 (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: 212	That should be released to the people who count. I have been writing countless letters but information from the horses mouth is compelling. My 9 year ol even wrote a letter. She likes to see the swords as well as the table value. __________________ "When the Lights go off, its time to play"

06-06-2007, 02:24 PM	#6 (permalink)
CaptKen Hooked Up Join Date: May 2004 Location: Sunrise/Dania Fla. Occupation: Power Plant Control Room Operator Posts: 837	FS: In ten years, what did you notice as far as trends in the fishing? LONGLINER: I noticed how, when we first started, it wasn’t nothing to catch four or five thousand pounds in seven days. Now you got to stay out longer;the fishing’s just getting worse and worse. But the thing that really got tome was having to throw back all them dead fish, all them dead swordfish. There’d be days when 40 or 50 fish, all under size, we’d throw back in the water. I fished during this time, I saw it first hand, all the dead the dead swordfish floating along, This is just 1 boat ! imagine multiplying this 1 boat times 10 20 boats a night around here then 30 40 all up the coast ! The GREED to destroy a resource just to make a buck blows my mind. __________________ http://home.comcast.net/~CaptKen1

06-06-2007, 03:11 PM	#7 (permalink)
mneptune Hooked Up Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Palm Beach Boat: Grady White 25' CC Best Catch: She won't let me talk about her on here Occupation: good ole SOB Posts: 298	__________________ I FISH THEREFORE IAM

06-06-2007, 07:13 AM	#3 (permalink)
Gaitor Hooked Up Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Palm Beach Gardens,FL Boat: 25 ft HydraSports Best Catch: 150 lb Pacific Sail, 100 lb Tarpon from the surf Occupation: Old Retired Fart Posts: 558	Thanks for that report JS. The longliner was saying what we recs have known for some time. Just goes to show you what a corrupt regulatory system we have. It's not about the conservation ... it's about the almighty dollar.

06-06-2007, 07:16 PM	#8 (permalink)
Disco Lady Grander Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,878

06-07-2007, 02:23 PM	#9 (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: 1,219	It's amazing that the data from the NMFS, Fisheries Scientists and Fisherman who spend +300 days a year at sea can consistantly be disbuted, but the anonymous opinion of one mullet gutter translated by a recreational magazine is written in stone. can you say PATHETIC

06-07-2007, 10:45 PM	#13 (permalink)
pelagic predator Hooked Up Join Date: Jan 2007 Boat: contender 31 Best Catch: 60inch swordfish Occupation: Highschool (freshman) Posts: 268

06-08-2007, 06:28 AM	#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: 1,219	If you guys are so concerned, why are your efforts so shallow and only focused on the American Fisherman? On a Global scale the American domestic vessel is responsibile for less than 5% of migratory species harvested and bycatch mortalities. Don't give me the BS you have no control of other Nations, by keeping our share of the ICCAT quota we retain the power to make a Global difference. Given recent decisions by NMFS HMS in regard to circle hook requirments and PLL vessel upgrades, I must say that our debate makes no difference in policy. Those were two issues that had commercial, recreational and Scientific support and the decision went the opposite way. I have to believe that Dr. Hogarth has the PLL decision tucked away in his desk regardless of all your letters and whimpering. It's all been said, there is no reason to delay further.

06-08-2007, 07:46 AM	#16 (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: 1,219	Collapse? What are you talking about? Swordfish thrived in the Caribbean Sea, Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Grand Banks, Both sides of the Atlantic Equator and the entire South Atlantic in the years you mentioned and now. Log books and weight slips confirm this. This is a Florida recreational fishing issue. You do not want the fish caught in your pond before you get the chance to catch them. You have no regard for the fact that almost all of the fish you catch have never spawned. Your blowing the conservation wind up the wrong ass.

06-08-2007, 09:06 AM	#17 (permalink)
Ron.38 Special Hooked Up Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 223	BP, You are right, Hogarth has his decision tucked away in his desk, just waiting for early July to announce it. Problem is, he now is finding that the political pressure to stop the ill fated "experiment" is greater than his will to cater to a small group of 60 fisherman. This one will again be rejected in spite of the influence and lobbying by Blue Water. Majority rules!

06-08-2007, 11:09 AM	#18 (permalink)
Gaitor Hooked Up Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Palm Beach Gardens,FL Boat: 25 ft HydraSports Best Catch: 150 lb Pacific Sail, 100 lb Tarpon from the surf Occupation: Old Retired Fart Posts: 558	Quote from Broadbill-Pro "This is a Florida recreational fishing issue. You do not want the fish caught in your pond before you get the chance to catch them. You have no regard for the fact that almost all of the fish you catch have never spawned. Your blowing the conservation wind up the wrong ass." So you want to allow the PLL's to come in and rob the cradle once again? And what about all the bycatch? I stand on the accusation that it is all about the greed and the bucks. Go back and read the original EFP request ..... That is just sooo much horse pucky.

06-08-2007, 12:44 PM	#19 (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: 1,219	I have issues with the EFP request and have been vocal about it as well as the experimental bouy project that was proposed on a local PLL vessel, but if your going to allow the cradle to be robbed (rec & buoy) then limited access should be granted to all (with bycatch triggers set). To say that greed and bucks is the motive behind Fisherman wanting to earn more is no different than any of us trying to excel in our profession of choice. It is not about disregard for gods creatures as many would want you to believe. mneptune is correct by saying that bad apples exist in the commercial fishing industry, possibly the Captain of the vessel that mullet gutter fished on was one, but as with all professions the majority operate within the law and with a conscience. Any vessel that knowingly set on 40 or 50 rats a day would not be accepted by his peers or last very long in the industry. Longline is not dirty gear in the right hands.