Maybe red yakker is glad to see the stock being protected... if so, can't say that I'm not with him on wanting to ensure that a healthy stock is maintained BUT that doesn't speak/nor hold accountable folks for how we got here.
As for how we got here, take a look at the offshore reports and tell me how much tonnage of gag grouper BBF members have been collecting in 2010... then weigh that against what the commercial guys have taken from the federal waters thus far this year... then look at what penalties the recreational guys have paid in recent years in ever-declining bag limits.
I'm sure not sad because of how it impacts me personally... haven't fished for them much at all in 8 years, targeting other species instead, catching one or two keepers a year while targeting cobes, but am saddened that recreational guys who do enjoy catching them will suffer, as will the guides who used to do offshore charters. That and I can see them re-opening the grounds for the commercial guys and NOT reopening them for us regular Joes... they've charted that path for years and I don't see the Obama administration championing the common man, especially not the ones along the gulf coast who cling to their guns and religion.
Only dimly lit bright spot in this story, fishinfool, is that a few articles I read said that if the fed guys do close federal grounds the state isn't eager to follow, so we may still get to catch and keep a few during the fall and spring, though guess that they're really going to get hammered hard during those spells if the state waters do stay open... which kind of goes against the development of a truly sound management plan.
Much like the thread I wrote explaining the banking failures, sadly folks don't seem to want to deal with the root cause of problems as much as just stick infected band aids on the wounds inflicted upon us. And PA, I hear you... reading some of the other forums today I saw a number of guys talking about taking grills out on their boats to make their own on-the-water grouper sandwiches. Can't say I like breaking the law, but will say much like with prohibition when the common Joe gets bent over too hard, makes it mighty tempting to get out of the BOHICA position.
"The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank GOD for the United States Marine Corps." Eleanor Roosevelt, 1945
While they're stating that they wish to have a season following any closure, no guarantees as they're also saying re-evaluations of stocks will have to be done before reopening.
would have been a better comment. I'm not going to enjoy it, but I think it's the right decision (As long as the science supports the need.)
