FWC COMMISSIONERS RESPECT CITIZEN MANDATE AND CONSTITUTIONAL BAN ON GILL NETS
Commercial netting interests once again tried to get the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to allow larger mesh sizes in nets so they could be used as a gill net. The issue was discussed with public testimony before the full Commission at its June 12 meeting in Ft. Lauderdale.

After several hours of staff presentations and public comment the Commissioners began their discussion. One of the first to speak was Commissioner Ken Wright.

“This is not a science question, the resource has rebounded. This constitutional amendment passed by a remarkable margin and our predecessors created a bright line definition, done objectively, and upheld in litigation,” said Wright. “I am adamantly in favor of keeping the current two inch regulation. We are Trustees of a decision and bound to follow the will of the people.”

CCA FLORIDA ADVOCACY UPDATE:
COMMERCIAL NETTING INTERESTS TRY AGAIN TO GET 500 SQ. FT. GILL NETS IN FLORIDA WATERS!
In November of 1994 an overwhelming 72 percent of Florida voters said yes to the constitutional amendment limiting marine net fishing. The amendment includes both a prohibition on the use of gill and entangling nets in all state waters and a size limit on other nets. Although the restrictions have been in place for 14 years, there are still factions within the commercial industry who refuse to accept the legal reality that the constitutional prohibition on gill nets means no gill nets.

CCA FLORIDA GRASS ROOTS ALERT! WHO OWNS THE FISH? MARINE FISHERIES ARE PUBLICLY OWNED RESOURCES. ALLOCATION PROCEDURES DETERMINE WHO GETS THE FISH.
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) is soliciting public input on possible options regarding the allocation of fishery resources between recreational and commercial user groups. Allocations within the recreational (e.g., for-hire and private) and commercial (e.g., hook-and-line, black sea bass pots, and longlines) sectors are also under consideration.

The reauthorized Magnuson-Stevens Act requires the Councils to establish Annual Catch Limits (pounds or numbers of fish) for each species and Accountability Measures that ensure the catch limit is not exceeded in any year by any sector. To do this the Council must allocate the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) from the stock assessment process between recreational and commercial sectors.

FEDS PUT SWORDFISH LONGLINE BOATS IN FLORIDA EAST COAST PROTECTED AREA FOR “RESEARCH” PURPOSES
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued Exempted Fishing Permits (EFP) for three commercial swordfish longline boats to fish for research purposes in the Florida East Coast and Charleston Bump closed areas.

“NMFS issued the permits despite overwhelming public objection, opposition from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Florida’s Governor Charlie Crist, and the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council,” said Bill Bird, CCA Florida President and Government Relations Committee Chairman. “The feds have disregarded the comments and recommendations of Florida’s citizens and governmental leaders. Unfortunately, it appears that NMFS is just laying the ground work for allowing the longline fleet back into the Protected Areas.”

CCA AND EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK: CCA Florida Strongly Opposes No Motor - No Access Zones (PDF)
Earlier this year the National Park Service (NPS) released four preliminary alternatives, which were presented to the public as options and the basis of the development of the Everglades National Park General Management Plan (GMP). Originally the NPS had intended to select one as the Preferred Alternative. The four alternatives ranged from Alternative A which is the no action – status quo option to Alternative D which would prohibit the use of internal combustion engines in waters less than three feet deep, in Florida Bay alone, that alternative would prohibit traditional boating in more than 150 square miles! Other alternatives had large “backcountry” designations which are essentially no motor zones.

PRESIDENT ORDERS GAMEFISH STATUS FOR RED DRUM, STRIPED BASS
Surrounded by conservationists and anglers on the shores of historic Chesapeake Bay, President Bush today signed an Executive Order establishing gamefish status for red drum and striped bass in federal waters. The Order is a landmark victory for recreational anglers who have fought for decades to restore and conserve two of the most coveted sport fish in America.