Marine Fishery Commission to Reconsider Speckled Sea Trout Rule
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Do not overturn fishing rules adopted on November 4, 2010
NC Camo Alert
Marine Fisheries Commission to Reconsider Interim Rules on Speckled Sea Trout Fisheries Management Plan
At the November 4, 2010 meeting of the Marine Fisheries Commission, interim sustainable harvest rules were established by unanimous action of the Commission for recreational and commercial taking of speckled sea trout. Recreational fishermen would have been restricted to 6 fish per day larger than 14 inches with no more than 2 of these fish greater than 24 inches. Commercial fishing would have been closed from December 15 through February 28 (two and one half months). These restrictions would have reduced the fishing mortality by 28%, which is one half the reduction needed to end overfishing within two years as required by law (SL 2010-13).
Evidently, commercial fishermen strongly objected to this seemingly fair, although inadequate, measure of protection and have called for a reconsideration of the entire plan at a special called meeting of the MFC on November 20, 2010 in Morehead City. They argue that none of the proposals adopted were aired at public input and advisory meetings on the speckled sea trout fishery management plan held earlier this year. Management options are frequently changed by the Commission during their final consideration of fishing rules based upon the total scientific evidence and public input received during the entire rule making process. The Commission must consider recommendations from advisory committees but are not bound by them.
So, the Commission plans to meet again on November 20 in Morehead City to reconsider the entire slate of alternatives to reduce recreational and commercial fishing to end overfishing of speckled sea trout. This indecisive and wavering position does little to instill public confidence in the process, commitment, or ability of the MFC to reach the hard decisions necessary to protect and manage our marine fisheries.
NC Camo recommends that concerned fishermen send the attached message to the Marine Fisheries Commission stating your support for sound scientific management of the speckled sea trout in accordance with the law designed to end overfishing within two years and restore the fishery to sustainable levels within ten years.
Click the “Take Action” link at the top of this alert and send the message to the chairman of the Marine Fisheries Commission and several Commissioners who are designated to represent recreational interest and sound science. Or compose your own message.