Scup

I hate to say it, but I told you so! See the enclosed attachment which I just received in the mail today. The two trips per week and the 1500 pound limit of summer flounder is exactly the same as it was for 2007, so far. I heard many members say "well it looks like both the recreational and commercial sector are both going to have to take a hit for fluke in 2008". To this I say baloney! Read it and weep; there is no reduction in the commercial fluke catch between Jan 22 and April 30. Even worse, you have to understand how to read these Notices. For example note the wording "During the period when the commercial trip limit for summer flounder is 1500 pounds" means they could go out every day when the limit is not 1500 pounds. Starting on May 1, the trip limit on fluke is 75 pounds, not much, but they can pound the bottom every day and are forced to leave a trail of dead fluke in their wake for every pound that comes in over 75 pounds. If there was a change this year for the commercial guys, I would like for someone to point out to me where it is? The way I read it, a single dragger can land 3000 pounds of fluke a week between Jan 22, and May 1, which is even before the fluke season starts for anyone else. They can pound the fluke for 15 weeks before the first recreation boat even has a chance to put a fluke on the dinner table. But guess who is going to take the blame for the deplorable condition that our fluke bio mass is in! Yes sir, you guys out there with limited season, and a five fluke limit (if you are lucky), are really destroying any vestige of hope that we have for the recovery of our fluke stocks.

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Possum

We always take the blame. Should be used to that. It's a shame there hasn't been an adjustment of some sort, but hey, controlling the rule making monkeys is near impossible these days, unless you have DEEP pockets.

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