Its Official, No EFP's

[Ron.38 Special]

It's offical as of today, no EFP's at this time.
However, NMFS is exploring ideas and possibilities available to collect the scientific data and bycatch reduction experiments necessary in the future.

[quack quack]

Thank you to very one that helped with this.Everyone that sent emails,letters and attended meetings.

[catching]

[DIRTYFOOT2]

I have attended a couple of these hearings, and was amazed at the wrangling that goes on between the opposing factions. Does this mean no to the shark issue as well?

[ContenderWays]

great news. Thanks Ron and everyone that helped.

[Broadbill-Pro]

HEY RON !!!!





I'm sure Rich will provide them with the additional information they are looking for next round

[quack quack]

[miamiangler1]

Vinne, GROW UP AND TAKE IT LIKE A MAN!!!! REC`s win this one you only like to stir up trouble on this forum ... just go out and fish and show us the pic`s of the fish you kill!!!


THANKS RON FOR YOUR HARD WORK

[Ambitious]

[quote=miamiangler1;60516]Vinne, GROW UP AND TAKE IT LIKE A MAN!!!! REC`s win this one you only like to stir up trouble on this forum ... just go out and fish and show us the pic`s of the fish you kill!!!

Hee hee, well put.......

Nice work Ron, good job guys, I am sure this will not be the last battle to protect these fish. We are only 2 keepers out of the last 7 fish caught out of Ft. Pierce, this nursery needs protection of some kind, glad we have it so far.

[foul hooker]

I want to thank all the guys and gals that sent in letters and emails. We sure appreciate it up here in North FL.

[Reel Bonus]

[Disco Lady]

[Skip Smith]

TBF Electronic Newsletter

Government Denies Current Longline Permits for Atlantic Closed Zone
Government Chartered Longline Vessel Will Conduct Research
Future Access Still an Issue

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has denied issuing Exempted Fishing Permits (EFP) to 13 pelagic longline vessels to fish within closed zones off the east coast of Florida.

The recreational fishing community expressed strong opposition to the permit application noting that the zones were closed to provide protection for critical habitat for juvenile swordfish, sailfish, blue marlin and white marlin. At the time the agency considered the permits, it was reassessing white marlin under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Longlining in the closed zone would have increased white marlin mortality, as well as that of other species, so it made no sense to approve a “federal action” that would have negatively impacted white marlin. The recreational fishing community applauds the agency for its decision to close the zones in 2000 and now for denying the EFPs.

We're not out of the woods yet...

Even so, the issue is not settled on closed zone access for longline vessels. The agency will conduct research on a chartered longline vessel that will fish within the east coast closed zone. This study, identical in purpose to the purposal put forward in the longline permit application, will assess the effectiveness of recently required circle hooks to reduce bycatch mortality on longline vessels. Agency conducted research will likely employ fewer vessels, possibly only one, with a scientist on board to collect data on bycatch caught with circle hooks. The agency then will evaluate the data and, depending upon results, may issue proposed actions relative to the closed zone.

TBF appreciates the responsiveness of our recreational fishing community to this important issue and asks that you stay in touch with us for future developments.

Join TBF or renew your membership today! Don't forget you can shop online for your tagging equipment and TBF apparel! Please visit our website at The Billfish Foundation.

[Broadbill-Pro]

If only TBF had put some effort into the mandatory tournament circle hook issue there would be 400 more white marlin around to spawn this year. I assume they were too concerned with losing a few supporters in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Hey Miami heres one for ya

[Ron.38 Special]

Vinnie,

Why do you continue to ingore the facts,

TBF, RFA, CCA, Swordfish Club, everyone supported the circle hook rule.

If you are going to try your hand at propoganda, at least do it where no one knows the truth.

You were at A/P meetings where Skip on behalf of TBF, Myself, and others expressed concern and outright disgust over Dr. Hogarths half hearted attempt to satisfy the Mid Atlantic crowd for one more year while they figure out how to use circle hook.

At the A/P meeting last October, before you were on the panel, Skip gave demonstrations about how to rig both baits, and lures with circle hooks to promote the plan.

We fought against wholesale fishing in the EFP, and we fought FOR implementation of the circle hook rule.

TBF and others have worked in workshops etc to show fisherman how to use cirlce hooks properly and catch more fish.

I actually don't rembember anyone at the A/P meeting who was for the delay in the circle hook rule except one of two mid atlantic tournament guys.

BTW, probably looking at circle hooks for swordfish soon on rec gear in tournaments, and on buoy gear always. This ones in the system and could happen by then end of the next A/P meeting.

But......

I actually expected your post to use the old BS about the quota and how the recs gave the quota away to some unknown country with no waterfront, and a name we can't pronounce.

Fact is, every PLL boat that is fishing, is catching more fish than they have in 10 or more years. We're catching half our quota, with a small fraction of the boats we had last time we actually caught our quota!

Vinnie, See ya in DC

[Ron.38 Special]

Originally Posted by Broadbill-Pro

HEY RON !!!!





I'm sure Rich will provide them with the additional information they are looking for next round

Rich doesn't have the smarts to figure out how to do this one.

The half ass proposal last time could have been done better by my kid while he's playing video games.....

Blue Water is a mearly a insect bite with Rich, compared to old Hammer,

Thank God for the evolution of life, if Hammer was still here, they would probably be fishing. Rich showed his true colors and frustration at the last A/P meeting where he completely lost control after hearing my "rant" if you want to call it that.

Vinnie, there will be PLL gear in the closed zone, but it won't be for wholesale "fishing for the quota" like Bluwater proposed, it will be on a scientific scale, with real science and stock assesment. One boat probably, not more.

[miamiangler1]

Ron ... still dont trust any PLL boat in the closed zone .. even one is way too many .. if you want scientific work done ... I bet any of the bouy guy`s would be glad to help ...Don`t want to see any PLL get their foot in the door ... in the closed zones ...!Like I say PLL`s = BAD