Tell the SAMFC what you think about the Snapper/Gr

[JohnB]

I have set up a comments site to get some traction and action from the SAMFC before the next meeting. The SAMFC has closed the grouper, and I mean ALL grouper down Jan 1st, and the are getting ready to do the same with Red Snapper for at least 6 months.

I know most of you can't make the public comment meetings that the SAMFC schedules on weekdays, and that makes it really hard for the average recreational fisherman to participate in the process. Well here is a chance to spend 5 minutes, and tell them what you think. Every comment will go to every council and staff member, and I will be submitting all the comments to our elected officials.

Enter your comments at http://SAMFC.Deep-Blue-Sea.org

I have provided resources you can print or reference to help get the word out. Please feel free to use these, copy them, hand them out, whatever. Post this wherever you think concerned anglers will see it.

Printable form at http://www.Deep-Blue-Sea.org/samfc/flyer.doc
Web Link at http://www.Deep-Blue-Sea.org/samfc/flyer.htm
SAMFC/Snapper background at http://www.Deep-Blue-Sea.org/samfc/snapper.htm

The SAMFC is about to close the Red Snapper fishery


-> What: The SAMFC has closed ALL grouper fishing in the Atlantic starting Jan 1, 2009 for 4 months to ALL fisherman.

-> What’s Next: The SAMFC is about to close the Red Snapper fishery starting Jan 1, 2009 for 180 days, and has the authority to close it for a year.

-> What can you do? Go to http://samfc.deep-blue-sea.org and tell the SAMFC and your elected officials what you think. It will take less than 5 minutes.

-> Does it really matter? Public comments regarding this closure were key to the SAMFC tabling this closure at the last meeting. If access to this fishery is important to you, then it really does matter.

-> Is this really going to happen? Below is the text directly from the SAMFC web site, you read and decide. You can find more information on Red Snapper and the SAMFC at http://samfc.deep-blue-sea.org/samfc/snapper.htm..

“Earlier provisions to address overfishing for vermilion snapper and red snapper through the interim rule were removed and red snapper will be addressed by the Council during its November 30-December 5 meeting. An interim rule can only be used to address species undergoing overfishing and would be in effect for 180 days. The rule can be extended for an additional 186 days if necessary. Provisions of the interim rule with respect to federally permitted vessels for South Atlantic snapper grouper would apply regardless of where the fish are harvested (i.e., in state or federal waters). The Council’s intent is to have the interim rule effective by January 1, 2009”. <http://www.safmc.net/News/NewsReleas...ault.aspx.>