RFA LOBBIES FOR FISHERIES

LOCAL politicians and representa tives of recreational anglers testified before Congress last week that changes need to be made in the rebuilding of our fisheries. On Wednesday, Jim Donofrio, executive director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) and Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources on rebuilding fisheries under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA).

In his opening statement, Pallone suggested a need to write flexibility into the MSA. The RFA welcomed this announcement.

“I am grateful for Mr. Pallone’s leadership,” Donofrio said. “I am heartened to hear that Mr. Pallone is considering legislation” to inject flexibility into the law.

Donofrio added: “Without flexibility in the statute, fisheries managers will continue to be held to unrealistic and unachievable expectations.”

The RFA also took exception to calls from environmental activists to shut down the summer flounder fishery. Donofrio said summer flounder has experienced rebuilding similar to that of perhaps the most famous rebuilding success – striped bass.

“The Pew Environmental Group recently called for a 10-year moratorium on all summer flounder fishing,” Donofrio said. “At least Pew admitted what they have denied for so long. They just want to end fishing.”

There will be a meeting regarding duck hunting at the Brookhaven Town Hall on Dec. 18, starting at 6 p.m.

This is important to every hunter on Long Island. Local residents are looking to close the marshes to duck hunters. Local residents who believe their rights and waterfront land reaches well past their property and to the horizon have hired lawyers to get the town to ban hunting.

George Poveromo will be returning to the Jersey Shore and Long Island with his Salt Water Sportsman Seminar Series on Jan. 12 at Monmouth University in Long Branch, NJ, and on Feb. 23 at St. John the Baptist High School in West Islip, Long Island. The cost for the all-day seminar is $55 and tickets can be ordered with a credit card by calling (800) 448-7360.

If you want set some time aside for the New York International Boat Show at the Javits Center, the dates are Dec. 29-Jan. 6.

By Ken Moran

New York Post