I do not do the HMS report. However, we have not had an HMS report in the past few newspapers and I think this information is important. JCAA needs a functioning HMS Committee to deal with shark, tuna and the other highly migratory species. Some of our clubs run the largest shark tournaments along the coast, but we can’t seem to interest anyone in serving on this committee. We have time for JCAA to submit comments on these proposed changes. We need a committee to gather the information and make recommendations. If you are interested in serving on this committee and helping to develop JCAA’s comments, please contact Joe Puntasecca. He can be reached by phone (201-320-8133) or email at puntasecca@jcaa.org.
Below you will see the announcement for Amendment 5 to the Shark Management Plan. Written comments will be accepted until February 13, 2013. This is the link for the entire 32 page document. I have included the summary that was posted in the Federal Registry. In addition, there is an email sent by Marin Hawk the FMP Coordinator. He did a good job of summarizing the varied alternatives contained in this Amendment. These comments were directed at Commissioners but it will give everyone a good starting point for reading these documents. You will also find a chart listing the size of sharks at maturity. This was requested by one of the Commissioners and I think it is information everyone should have.
