SteveFL

I don't hold any hard feelings for GandyGirl at all and appreciate her passing on the information. But if they keep doing things as they are and imposing regulations without valid information, no one and I mean no one will trust what they're doing. And friction will build to the point of total mistrust. Once that mistrust gets too deeply seated, it will be a very long, difficult task to ever get it back.

I totally agree that fishing stocks need to be protected. But take Amberjacks; you can barely get a hook down nearly anywhere without catching 1,2,3,4,5..... And they say they're overfished??? Good grief. But from what many have stated, when information like this is brought up by fishermen, they're quickly discounted and the regulations go in anyway. So what's the point??

Don't blame me for this post. I too am just a messenger.

minkmaster

Kim, Billin, I agree someone should not disrespect Emily for where she is employed. With that very same logic I would hate the guts of every oil rig worker on here cuz I would have to blame them for what their employer is doing to my bottom line. But that would just be a foolish stance to take. Secondly, I cannot agree with Kim's theory that I must play nice or they won't listen to me. We are past that point. They have a political agenda to execute and execute it they will if action is not taken. They have already proven they do not want the real data from those on the water so at that point they are my advesary.

Gamefish27

X2... Stop shooting the messenger.. Just shoot the council did I say that out loud

bigrick

my comment wasn't directed at her, but being nice went out the window. We've been being nice for 10 years writing letters, attending meeting, but it's all been pointless. They will keep BSing us untill the commercial industry get 100% of the catch. I'm gonna sell my boat and buy a bay boat pretty soon if things don't get better.

20simmons sea skiff

the season is short because there are no large red snapper, oops we were wrong snapper are bigger than we thought, so you guys caught too many.makes old crab sound a little dumb.they have their agenda, dont give a hoot what public thinks.theres. in last 3 years no one surveyed or called me. how the heck do they guess what people caught. how can they do what they do with congress and senators saying no??

Burnt Drag

I, too, and over the "nice", but at the same time, Emily is just our messenger or a liason. I've met her, (not formally) and she's a sweet, well mannered, and attractive woman. So, even though I can't mention what I think of NOAA, NMFS, and Dr. No, I'll not be reduced to batting around the messenger.

Kim

http://www.gulfcouncil.org/resources...l_outreach.php


Why Get Involved?

Different people have different reasons for getting involved in the fisheries management process. Many groups are concerned about fisheries, including commercial fishermen, fishing families, recreational fishers, environmentalists, consumers, scientists, the tourism industry, and local communities. Whatever background or motivations, these groups share a common desire to ensure the health of fish populations and the marine ecosystems they depend on.
If you are a member of the commercial fishing community or if your business serves recreational fishers, the best reason to get involved is because the process affects your livelihood. You have no control over the weather, ocean conditions, or market prices, but becoming involved in the Council process gives you a voice in the decisions that affect your business.
Getting involved means commitment and hard work. It may mean reading documents, talking to people you don’t know, attending meetings, speaking in public, writing letters or e-mails, joining or forming an association, or joining an advisory panel or committee.

Will I Make a Difference?

Your influence on Council decisions is relative to the amount of energy you put into being involved. Involvement can range from writing a letter to serving on an advisory panel. No matter what level of involvement you choose, your views will have more weight and influence if you learn about the context of the decisions being made, the timeline for the decision making process, and the best ways to communicate with Council members and advisory panel members.

SteveFL

I certainly agree but everyone with enough interest should also join one of the pro-fishermen groups as well. Working individually can and does help but there's strength, time and resources in numbers not attainable from an individual standpoint. Now which is best?? I have no clue at this point so I joined RFA in hopes that this or another will surface as the best group. If someone knows of another association that's on top of all this, I'll join them too.