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  FAIRNESS in FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

Do we need any reductions at all?

There is some evidence that there may NOT be a scientific need for such economically and socially destructive proposed regulations.  No scientific need. 

We are engaging Dr. Trevor Kenchington to review the South Atlantic Gag Stock Assessment.

As you may know, the FRA alone was responsible for the second review of the Gag Assessments (Gulf and SA), which produced evidence that Gulf Gag overfishing had ended in 2005 and was not likely to reoccur.  This information was somehow kept from Gulf Council members and the general public until the FRA, in cooperation with Southern Offshore Fishing
Association, hired Dr. Trevor Kenchington to analyze the Gulf Gag review.  Dr. Kenchington immediately found that NMFS own numbers showed that overfishing ended.  The one gag limit with a three month closure will not be happening and the Council will delay any action pending further review.  Dr. Kenchington found other serious concerns, including the natural mortality rate (referred to as 'M') used in the stock assessment.

Dr. Kenchington has begin his review of the South Atlantic Gag Assessment.  He has found that there is a concern with the natural mortality rate used (M).   We expect findings will be similar to the Gulf Gag Assessment, as both assessments were done together by the same group of state and federal scientists.  Dr. Kenchington will be attending the full South Atlantic Council meeting, including the SA's Scientific and Statistical Committee, in Orlando, FL in June. 

The FRA has grave concerns about such draconian management actions being taken based on such questionable science.  FRA concerns extend to the new 'target' levels being considered, as those levels of 'precaution' are entirely unnecessary and  economically and socially destructive.

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SOUTHPORT NC FISHING LLC

SOUTHPORT, NC

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