While I'm not the biggest fan of the groups methods and MO, I am divided on the gamefish status of not the striper specifically, but any fish in "trouble". I don't think the Striper is a candidate, by a long shot for a few very good reasons, the main one being the stocks seem abundant and healthy to me. Lets fix the regulations, instead of caving in to yet another special interest group
I don't really see the need to go so far, ever, with a species, unless it is in so much trouble that no harvest of that species is a must to insure its survival; they should be protected FULLY, not just from commercial effort, but from recreational effort as well. I would be the first to start practicing catch and release, or if warranted stop effort altogether on any species good science says needs protecting. I then would wait for good science to prove the fish was to the pont it could sustsain limited or even full effort, but on a much more responsible management approach.
It is well documented that recreational mortality is the overwhelming conrtibutor to angler related death in striped bass. This in itself should clue us in to the non applicability of the striper to gamefish status.
With the ease of aquaculture, and the growing capacity to support alot of nutrition needs for the world through farm raising certain species(like stripers) Im thinking this is the path we should be heading down with open eyes, minds and hearts.
To lobby to take away yet another species for pin hooking commercial guys just trying to make it is unwarranted and perhaps even "criminal" in some respects. We all know the plight facing our fishing industry now, as well as the drive to protect the stocks for the recreational average angler. I just firmly believe that some comon sense thought, and the removal of the revenue factor from these types of environmental concerns is the only way to better the situation. Bans, restrictions, and closures( any ultimatums) have no place in a democratic, free, unbiased society. Thats what we all really want as Americans, i think.
The striper has come back very strong, and I do not think anyone could claim that commercial harvest of the striper is its single biggest, or even one of its main issues for the future of its stocks at this juncture.
We need a completely new way to manage fish species and stocks, with much better conservation measures, but most importantly a level, fair share for all involved in the pursuit of this public and important resource.
I am also a big fan of going back to the samll boat, rod and reel fishery. It would allow a more artisanal approach to fishing, would drive the market price up to the point it would allow alot of guys to stay employed in an age old industry, with much storied past. Get rid of all the big netters, long liners, and any other monster entity harvesting large amounts of the ocean at a single time.
Lets bring the baymen back, and bring the pricing of wild caught fish up to where it should be(quality, not quantity). The salmon, tilapia , striper, barramundi, shrimp, tuna, and mahi farms can supply the lower echelon masses with their seafood proteins, while those with the means to afford a quality seafood meal, or with the knowhow to procure one themselves can have the wild game and seafood they desire. That would be something, to me. |