A 180-DAY BAN on recreational anglers keeping any black sea bass caught in federal waters north of Cape Hatteras, N.C., has the fishing community gnashing its teeth.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced the closure, which began Oct. 5, on Sept. 30. The ban affects Atlantic waters of the United States exclusive economic zone, which extends 200 nautical miles offshore.
NOAA said the closure was in response to recent landings data showing recreational fishermen may catch more than double their annual quota by year's end.
"Landings data and scientific analyses show recreational fishermen have reached their quota and could exceed their 1.14 million pound harvest limit by as much as 84 to 225 percent if the recreational fishery is not closed," the closure announcement stated.
"Bull," say many recreational fisheries leaders, who challenge the data and the reporting systems used to justify the closure. The Recreational Fishing Alliance has indicated it is exploring legal action to challenge the ban.
Affected hard will be a winter charter fishing industry along the mid-Atlantic, where sea bass are a winter staple. For Virginia recreational anglers, the minimum keeper size on sea bass is 12.5 inches. The limit is 25 per day.
Yorktown angler and regional International Game Fish Association representative Dr. Ken Neill III, summed up the frustration noting: "First NOAA shut the fishery down based on
"It was never intended
To underscore his point, Neill added: "The MRFSS showed that we had a record catch of striped bass during hurricane and in the aftermath of Hurricane Isabel. Nobody was fishing then. We were without power, living in trailers."
Capt. Jim Brincefield, a Virginia charter boat operator and pioneer of winter deep dropping trips, called the closure "the worst fisheries management decision
"How do you go from 25 fish per person to zero with no scientific evidence that either is appropriate?" he said. "No public input, no science, no hearings, no evidence; just a stroke of the pen puts all of us out of business."
Added Neill: "NOAA says that they used the best available science, but they did not. The stock assessment shows that sea bass stocks are not being overfished."
The closure announcement acknowledged that black sea bass stocks have been rebuilt, but added: "Both the scientists and the Science and Statistical Committee of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council have cautioned against increasing fishing of this stock for several reasons, including the complex and poorly understood reproductive cycle, and limited information on life span and important habitats for this species."
Neill said the feds seem to be "going out of their way to shut down the mid-Atlantic states during our prime season while allowing the northern states to be open during their prime time."
He alluded to historical data showing mid-Atlantic anglers traditionally fish within their share of the recreational allotment, but northern states tend to catch more than their share.
"This is very confusing," he said.
The sea bass ban will keep many anglers at home and away from the charter boats. Boats that can still pull in enough customers to run charters will target other species and Neill said he expects a "big increase on the pressure on tautog," primarily a near-shore species.
Offshore bottom fishing, traditionally an expensive proposition in terms of fuel and time, could see major impacts.
Brincefield said: "I cannot think of any other business where the government can completely shut down an industry for six months with absolutely no explanation and no compensation to the workers. A lot of families, such as mine, are devastated."
Neill adds another variable.
"Usually these offshore trips are sea bass trips with some deep-dropping for tilefish and grouper on the side," he said. "If the boats decide to go out there, the deep-water fish will now be the only target. Fish like tilefish, grouper and blackbelly rosefish will become the prime target. The problem is that these fish cannot support
He also points to a perhaps unintended consequence.
Sea bass by-catch is an issue when fishing water 400 to 600 feet deep for tilefish. Most fish brought to the surface from such depths have distended swim bladders and other health effects caused by pressure changes. Now, by regulation, these deep-water caught sea bass must be released.
"From these depths,
VDHA RECOGNIZES VOLUNTEERS
The Fredericksburg/Northern Neck Chapter of the Virginia Deer Hunters Association recognized several volunteers at its annual banquet Saturday.
The Knights of Pythias Lodge 22 was hailed for its $17,000 in donations, while King George resident Buddy Fines was recognized for his many years coordinating an annual disabled veterans hunt at the Caledon Natural Area.
Last year, 30 disabled veterans hunted, supported by nearly 150 volunteers.
"I don't even have to call for help; people just show up," Fines said.
The chapter coordinates annual youth and veterans hunts. In the spirit of giving, Edward Jett, winner of a
Ken Perrotte can be reached at The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia Street, Fredericksburg, Va. 22401, by fax at 373-8455 or e-mail
Email: outdoors@freelancestar.com.