Crossroads Bait and Tackle Fish Report
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whaleback/ longledge closure
whaleback/ longledge closure
Oct 24, 2010
Hi Guys,Sorry for the fisheries management spam but I went to the meeting lastnight and this whaleback closure thing is looking pretty ugly. We needcomment from a bunch of fisherman on the subject otherwise very baddecisions are going to be made, simply due to a lack of sane input.For whatever reason they are NOT following the model used in Mass Bay(a short closure limited to cod).It sounds like they've gotten alot of wacky input from somebody (ie"Version 1" area I sent out previously was chosen so to follow LORANbecause that's what they were told recreational fisherman navigateby!). They are leaning toward a COMPLETE BAN on fishing in the area,possibly year round.On Wednesday the Groundfish Committee is meeting and one item on theagenda is finalizing something to vote on in November, which willprobably end up being a go/no-go vote for a closure of the spawningarea. Providing comment at this point will help prevent a decision tocompletely close the area (to fishing for other species like Tuna,Shark, and Mackerel), an overly long closure, or other unnecessaryrestrictions.See my post on the Noreast thread on this subject for full detail:http://www.noreast.com/discussion/viewTopic.cfm?topic_ID=153672As soon as you can, please send comment tojoleary@nefmc.org- it canbe labeled something like "whaleback closure". Comments received byMonday AM should make it to them before Wednesdays meeting, where theywill be most helpful. Just state your name, interest in the fishery,where you are from, and give your 2 cents.Please forward this to any interested parties you know.Thanks,Jon