Statements suggesting that as much as 25% of the entire Atlantic coast and 5% of all offshore marine waters be totally closed to fishing send chills down my spine.
There are already a number of no fishing and/or no take zones in Florida, primarily on the Keys. The success of this effort is debatable, depending on whose report you read and whose statistics you accept.
The zones are supposed to be designed to provide an area where fish can live and multiply without their stocks being reduced. The only problem is that no one seems to be able to tell the fish to stay put in those areas. Not all fish are "home bodies". Pelagic fish roam for miles, and migratory fish come and go with the seasons. A no fishing zone, or MPA will do nothing for these fish on the move.
The CCA (Coastal Conservation Association) is a national organization dedicated to the conservation and preservation of marine resources. They take an active role all areas affecting the recreational angler. They played a key role in getting the net ban passed in Florida, a ban which is responsible for the dramatic revival of the redfish fishery. Here is their position:
"Federal "no-fishing zones" in the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans threaten to unjustly and arbitrarily deny recreational fishermen access to U.S. marine resources. With current and proposed bans on recreational fishing encompassing as much as 20 percent of U.S. waters, the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) is urging Congress to act promptly in passing The Freedom To Fish Act (S. 1314) in the 107th Congress."
Their position paper and FAQ sheet can help you understand their role in this battle for our fishing freedom. Every coastal state has a chapter that you can join. I encourage all recreational anglers to get involved and present a solid front to the efforts of the "anti's".
One fact does remain in all this. As areas are closed to recreational fishing, the commercial industry continues the harvest. As areas are closed to honest recreational anglers, outlaw netters continue to break the law with stab and gill nets. One argument for MPAs is that we do not have enough law enforcement personnel to regulate the angler. Their answer is to just eliminate fishing! My question to them is, who will stop the outlaws?
In my opinion reduced bag limits and seasonal specie closures combined with greater enforcement of existing commercial and recreational fishing laws are a better answer. We have a new year ahead of us with some new options. What will you personally do to help protect our fishing heritage?
