EEZ Bust

[Nebe]

Piemma. The probable truth is that if the fish was made a true game fish, you would see some people loose their boats, maybe loose their houses, marinas would loose dockage, bat and tackle stores would loose business, etc. I think that the black market is so prevalent and I also think that there are some people who are doing it so well, that they are making a chit-ton of money off of it...

That said, I'm all for it, but I think it would make for some serious wake up calls and ramifications.
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[piemma]

Originally Posted by Nebe

Piemma. The probable truth is that if the fish was made a true game fish, you would see some people loose their boats, maybe loose their houses, marinas would loose dockage, bat and tackle stores would loose business, etc. I think that the black market is so prevalent and I also think that there are some people who are doing it so well, that they are making a chit-ton of money off of it...

That said, I'm all for it, but I think it would make for some serious wake up calls and ramifications.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Eben, I understand what you say but must respectfully disagree.

There is empirical evidence, ( the Snook and Tarpon in Florida)that, while there may be a immediate downturn in revenue for the sport fishing community, there is a decided upturn in revenue in the long run.

The Snook and Tarpon sport fishery in Florida is a world class fishery that draws anglers from all over the world. Both species have game fish status.

We are pandering to the community that sells fish legally and illegally. I have no problem with making a living fishing when the stocks are healthy. That's the catch phrase. "when the stocks are healthy". Only a greedy money monger would think there is no problem with the striped bass stock.
We are not at the stage where a moratorium is necessary but it will come if we continue on the current path.

[spence]

Originally Posted by piemma

There is empirical evidence, ( the Snook and Tarpon in Florida)that, while there may be a immediate downturn in revenue for the sport fishing community, there is a decided upturn in revenue in the long run.

The Snook and Tarpon sport fishery in Florida is a world class fishery that draws anglers from all over the world. Both species have game fish status.

I think the big difference here is that striped bass is something people actually want to eat so it has a secondary commercial value beyond sport fishing. Additionally there is a farmed product that could confuse the regulation. You don't have either of those factors with snook or tarpon.
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[piemma]

Originally Posted by spence

I think the big difference here is that striped bass is something people actually want to eat so it has a secondary commercial value beyond sport fishing. Additionally there is a farmed product that could confuse the regulation. You don't have either of those factors with snook or tarpon.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Valid point.