Dom , your writing is very articulate and a joy to read. You obviously put a lot of effort into educating yourself in these matters. My hat is off to you.
On a similar note, I put a lot of effort into fighting stripersforever a few years back. Life got in the way and I dropped the ball. My biggest issue was what you have mentioned here... A grab for a resource by one group done in a disingenuous manner. I fear that you are right here and that the rec sector is doing whatever it takes to accomplish the goal. Unfortunately, I too would take this path.
Interesting that you bring up the harvest of wild game by our forfathers and how the practice almost wiped out many game animals. The same is happening with our fisheries but the public does not have it in plain view as they did with deer, elk, passenger pigeons and everything else. As the skies used to darken with the passing flights of pigeons so too did our waters with forage and game fish. The time of abundance has passed and there is a bitter pill to swallow in our future. I would rather err on the side of caution and stop the carnage now with stocks that have a chance to rebuild rather than wait until it is too late. How long before they are targeting trash fish just to keep in business? I think it is already taking place.
By-catch is a never ending issue as well.... What else may be caught in those nets targeting pogies? Another topic for another thread.
I think aquaculture is the answer and the sooner we are forced into it the sooner the monies will be available for education and research.
The only commercial fishery I could now stand behind would be hook and line only.... Far fetched but it is my hope. Species specific, naturally a minimal impact and the supply and demand would make the wild caught fish a luxury worthy of a much higher price. Yeah, I know... I'm dreaming.
Sometimes, it takes a dream.
JayR
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