Tautog Report

by Dr. Pat Donnelly

(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association February 2002 Newsletter)

On January 15, the ASMFC ran a public hearing concerning the upcoming Addendum to the Tautog Fishery Management Plan. Staff did a wonderful job with the presentation, but the 30 people in attendance were unanimous in their displeasure.

This is a classic example of a bureaucracy saying that they don’t have the money for good research, public input, etc. However, they can build a virtual world where the numbers can suit their political agendas. The Addendum includes as its cornerstone a 63% reduction in landings to be taken either immediately or incrementally.

Let’s review the ramifications that this reduction would involve.

Elimination of the directed Party/Charter Boat fishery

Elimination of the shore-based fishery

Disregard of the scuba fishery

Disregard of historical fishery information

Further unnecessary cutbacks of the legal commercial fishery

Continued disillusionment with fisheries management

The more important issue is that this continues the arrogance of the ASMFC in ignoring public input and historical data, to promulgate a virtual world that they control. The complaint of not enough money should not be used as an excuse for poor management and wanton destruction of long standing entities.

 

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