Marine Protected Areas (MPA's) are on the way. California established one this past January and there are plans for many of the coastal states after published studies about the need for
MPA's. Many fisherman feel there are other things that can be done in fisheries management prior to establishing MPA's. Here's a few examples, Stopping or greatly reducing commercial harvest of menhaden or other bait fish species. Setting species size limits and quotas for harvest that permit a minimum of two years reproduction not zero. And finally stop fishing for a species during it's spawning periods.
A report from the PEW Oceans Commision published study is likely to accelerate the establishment of MPA's. Apparently it's been 30 years since a complete and comprehensive
study of environmental marine policy has been done, and PEW was assigned to the task.
This report/study is to be presented to the President and Congress will get things rolling.
Interesting polls and dialoge with fisherman posted on PEW site as well.
Article on study
http://www.spacedaily.com/news/life-03e.html
Report mentioned in Article
http://www.pewoceans.org/articles/2003/01/13/pr_31404.asp
PEW Oceans Commission Reports, and News
http://www.pewoceans.org/
Environmental Defense MPA page.
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/system/templates/page/issue.cfm?subnav=3
Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA)
RFA Home page (opposed to MPA based on bad science or previously poor management decisions)
http://www.savefish.com/
I read California established a group of areas around the channel Islands this past January.
Some stories about it below. Some at the RFA see MPA's as the beginning of the end, of the right to fish these areas.
Environmental Defense
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/article.cfm?ContentID=2373
RFA political view
http://www.savefish.com/canofish.htm
Here in New England things are starting to happen as well. Haven't found too much out about meetings or public input yet or what new areas are no fish zones in R.I. or MA for example.
Alot of talk about Stellwagon and the Grand Banks. I'm afraid it's only a matter of time before we see some coastal areas outlined for no fish zones.
Massachussetts Division of Marine Fisheries MPA info
http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dmf/MarineFisheriesNotices/current.htm#MPA
Rhode Islands MPA declaration
http://www.environmentcouncilri.org/mpa.html
Environmental Defense
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/article.cfm?ContentID=1545
Article on Canada's first MPA
http://www.spacedaily.com/2003/030313143842.p0byx4zg.html
Obviously an issue that will effect most all of us if it's expanded like so many Federal programs are. I have been watching and look forward to the public hearings when they occur in our area. Hope to see some of you guys there as well.
Greg.
MPA's. Many fisherman feel there are other things that can be done in fisheries management prior to establishing MPA's. Here's a few examples, Stopping or greatly reducing commercial harvest of menhaden or other bait fish species. Setting species size limits and quotas for harvest that permit a minimum of two years reproduction not zero. And finally stop fishing for a species during it's spawning periods.
A report from the PEW Oceans Commision published study is likely to accelerate the establishment of MPA's. Apparently it's been 30 years since a complete and comprehensive
study of environmental marine policy has been done, and PEW was assigned to the task.
This report/study is to be presented to the President and Congress will get things rolling.
Interesting polls and dialoge with fisherman posted on PEW site as well.
Article on study
http://www.spacedaily.com/news/life-03e.html
Report mentioned in Article
http://www.pewoceans.org/articles/2003/01/13/pr_31404.asp
PEW Oceans Commission Reports, and News
http://www.pewoceans.org/
Environmental Defense MPA page.
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/system/templates/page/issue.cfm?subnav=3
Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA)
RFA Home page (opposed to MPA based on bad science or previously poor management decisions)
http://www.savefish.com/
I read California established a group of areas around the channel Islands this past January.
Some stories about it below. Some at the RFA see MPA's as the beginning of the end, of the right to fish these areas.
Environmental Defense
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/article.cfm?ContentID=2373
RFA political view
http://www.savefish.com/canofish.htm
Here in New England things are starting to happen as well. Haven't found too much out about meetings or public input yet or what new areas are no fish zones in R.I. or MA for example.
Alot of talk about Stellwagon and the Grand Banks. I'm afraid it's only a matter of time before we see some coastal areas outlined for no fish zones.
Massachussetts Division of Marine Fisheries MPA info
http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dmf/MarineFisheriesNotices/current.htm#MPA
Rhode Islands MPA declaration
http://www.environmentcouncilri.org/mpa.html
Environmental Defense
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/article.cfm?ContentID=1545
Article on Canada's first MPA
http://www.spacedaily.com/2003/030313143842.p0byx4zg.html
Obviously an issue that will effect most all of us if it's expanded like so many Federal programs are. I have been watching and look forward to the public hearings when they occur in our area. Hope to see some of you guys there as well.
Greg.