Whats up with DNR
 

I had a conversation with an individual this weekend about DNR and Tom O’Connell. I don’t want to stir up the board. However, I generally measure a person by there actions. At this moment I don’t understand enough about the politics of fisheries director. I will also admit that my scope is limited to Chesapeake Bay and the general species I pursue.

I ask everyone to please fill me in on the accomplishments from the department, that have not been forced upon them. I am extremely concerned about the resent vote at the ASMFC to increase costal commercial landing which Maryland voted for. Was this even discussed with the joint tidal fish advisory board? Why would the fisheries director vote in favor of a proposition which will hurt Maryland Fisheries?


I am not even going to bring up PSCR. What’s going on in Maryland

I want some transparency in major policy decisions which impacts our
fishery. :(

I will admit maybe I don’t understand. If this is true please educate me on what I am missing.

I am feeling increasingly marginalized as a recreational fisherman.:mad:

I share your concern Rob. All of the BS about PSCR and then they go and vote in favor of an increase for the commercial catch. Didn't they just allow the netters in MD an increase in the length of nets they are now allowed to carry. Kind of like watching the Keystone cops at their best. These are some of the reasons I questioned buying another fishing license from DNR.

I can't comment on the specific issues you have addressed, but I can say that I am generally disappointed with DNR and it's ineffectiveness.

The one interaction I had with DNR last year was regarding a nasty fishkill at Smithville Lake. I was assured that they would investigate and follow up with me on their findings. I contacted them several times to follow up, and it seems they never looked into it, and nobody ever returned my calls.

Small issue I know....but I fear it's indicative of the efficiency of most of our state government offices.

It's not about the fish..........it's politics Annapolis style........Gary

Ask them why commercial crabbers can set up trot lines earlier then recs :confused::confused:

We need to pack all the DNR meetings so they hear our concerns. Too many times - only 1-2 people show up to important hearings.

There is no doubt politics play a big role in DNR.

One good thing about the C&R issue is that DNR is falling more and more under the microscope of the citizens of the state.

Obviously Mr. O'Connell and the DNR has a major message issue. I called Dave Smith of the MSSA and was told Mr. O'Connell will better clarify his position at the next SFAC meeting. Should be interesting.

My experiences have just bene limited to someone trying to board my boat, ruin my time, and take my money....Not sure what all the money may be going for....Guess its politics...Oh yeah the politics that we cant see and dont benefit us...Great job DNR...Thanks for being a viable resource for recreational folks, a great educational foundation, and an organization helps formulate good, consistent policy to protect, MY BAY.....Not !

Pretty sad:(. The "average" citizen who doesn't fish, crab, or hunt could care less about Marylands DNR. Now, they have lost respect even among those of us they impact.
Sounds like a formula for disaster. It's a shame the political appointies who are picked to run DNR can't see this fact.
The bar has been set so low for our representatives; it's getting hard to be disappointed anymore. I'm starting to expect incompetience:eek:.
5th (Marty)

While I'm pretty disappointed at the recent vote to increase commercial catch and the limits on C&R, I will throw this out there. The DNR is more than the heads of each division or office or whatever they are called. I've interacted with a lot of good people at the DNR who have done out of there way to give me and my colleagues a hand with their research. Many people have donated their time and allowed me to borrow equipment in order to do ecological research intended on helping the natural resources of the state. I am not suggesting a free pass for the agency, I only ask that when you consider not buying a license from the state this year, that there are a lot of hard working, honest, well intentioned people that will be impacted. However, for all employee, it's the nature of the game when you work for a government agency, but just something to think about.

Marty I'm glad you said it first. I write, email and fax my representatives and members of key committees all the time. The responses, and lack of responses I get is absolutely appalling.
Bug Guy I agree to a point....most if not all of the DNR police I've encountered over the years have been professional and usually pretty personable. My uncle has worked for DNR for years and I know the wide range of programs they run and the amount of dedication many put into their jobs.

Unfortunately though, the reputation of the entire agency will be based upon its weakest link, which in this case is the most important link; the "executive management" of DNR.

The best way to effect change in the department is to start at the top and hold them accountable for their actions or in many cases, inaction.

When we speak of DNR it is not the NRP which is the Natural Resources Police. They do not make the DNR policies....just enforce it. Most of the people who work for DNR are sincere, hard working and honest folks trying to make a difference. The problem comes at the TOP which is PURE politics. There are MANY people who work for DNR that are as disgusted as we are. Most folks who don't fish or hunt could care less about DNR policies and the ones that do fish and hunt better get more involved. That is the only way it will change. I think people in general are getting fed up with our political leaders and I see a BIG change coming on...............Gary

I don't think anyone is questioning the NRP or the people who work for DNR. The problem is that the head of DNR is an appointed position. It is TOTALLY political. Until a govenor starts appointing true professionals and subsequent administrations have some continuity; this mess will continue. 5th (Marty)

The deputy secretary of DNR, Eric Schwab just left his position for a federal position in marine fisheries. Lets see what changes come about from that.....Gary

I believe the overall harvest (for Striped Bass) for the east coast is presently 70% recreational catch, 30% commercial.

And yeah, ASMFC meetings are a lot of politics. Just remember without the politics, Maryland would still be a producer state without any harvest.

The ASMFC proposed commercial increase in Striped Bass harvest has nothing to do with the Chesapeake Bay Quota...That's written in stone at 42.5% of the quota.

Bug Guy, I completely agree. The individuals that work DNR are truly trying to do the right thing, and work hard doing it. The job is a labor of love. They could certainly make more money in another occupation. Coming from a scientific background, I can say politics isn’t something most biologists are trained for. I doubt most individuals in DNR have input into policy issues.


Crabby and Son I hope change for the better is in our future. I am just having a hard time figuring out all of the politics, players involved and the subterfuge that goes along with Maryland fisheries management.


Red, I appreciate the input and the numbers. Recently, we were told that C&R of migratory stripers could have an impact on the current population of fish. I will add that little to no significant evidence was given to support this policy. Then we switch gears and possibly up the total allowable catch in another sector. More fish taken and killed = less population and potentially lower spawning numbers. Quota management?????? Population Management????? Management for abundance?????

I just don’t understand the politics behind these decisions :confused:

I guess, I should just crawl back under my rock and hope something miraculous happens.:p

Thanks for letting me vent.

Thanks for the managment education :)

Before the moratorium, the harvest was about equal between rec's and commercial fishermen. Since 1991 the commercial ocean harvest has been increased 5.5 million lbs.(from 1.5 million to 7 million lbs) The rec harvest has increased 25 million lbs. ( from 3.5 million to 28.5 million lbs)

Thank you once again reds. To quote DNR we are taking a cautious approach to management of striped bass. Why would you increase quota in any sector if your doctrine is to be cautious. If anything after there original statement I would expect them to push for more restrictions and tightening of management guideline across the board REC and commercial.

I am going to the TFAC meeting tonight at 6:00pm and see what they have to say.
Tawes state office bldg c1 conference room

Maybe I will learn how things work.


Thanks for the comments everyone

Nut you nailed it. Their "Cautious" approach given some key indicators (according to them) obviously has a message problem now.

Can you say political pandering... :rolleyes:

MD voted in support of the motion to start the discussion on an increase in the coastal commercial quota. There had been an vote last year that failed to carry the same motion. I've been told MD's vote was made in an effort to at least bring the discussion to the table and allow it to take place.

If I'm not mistaken, ASMFC will now draft an addendum with options for an increase.

There will be further discussion, and debate, once some real numbers make it to paper.

Again, I could be wrong, but it sounds like this is an allocation issue, where the rec quota will be reduced to increase the commercial quota. I do not believe an increase in TAC will be an option.

I hope to see many of you at the SFAC meeting next Monday Feb 22nd @ 6pm in Tawes C1. I look forward to hearing what Tom O'Connell has to say with regard to MD's vote.

-D

WHAT does it do for the fishery when you raise one allocation and lower another? That's taking from Peter to pay Paul. Just as I thought, it's for the fisherman and not the fish. As a recreational fisherman, I am not saying , Don't take from me. I am saying don't take as much period...........Gary

Since no one on here or TF wants to divulge the result of the TFAC meeting the other night, I will.

It was discussed and agreed to,by all members present , that the commercial ocean Striped Bass quota should not be increased. It was also unanimously agreed that the rec limits should be reduced to one fish per person and the captain and mate of charter boats should be prevented from keeping any fish.

Thanks for reporting something POSITIVE!.Long live catch and release!!!..........Gary

Thanks Reds for the info! I like to hear that!

Thanks Reds, I got no love on my request for info on the other board.

This is encouraging considering the majority of TFAC members are commercial waterman (members : http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries...embership.html )

And I assume the one per person reg for recs is during the regular season as Trophy season is already 1 per person. Could this mean if the MD rec limits are adjusted to reduce harvest, will the reduction be moved over to the commercial side i.e. total harvest stays status quo, change the rec/comm allocation? Or is the rec/comm allocation for MD (not coastal) set in stone?

thanks for the update

You are confusing Maryland's Chesapeake Bay quota with the Ocean fishery. Two different animals.

There is no quota for the ocean fishery for recreational anglers. There is one for the commercial fishery.

The ocean fishery runs from Maine to South Carolina for the rec's. At the present the limit is 2 fish over 28" per person per day.

The quota for the Maryland portion of Chesapeake is set in stone for the rec and commercial user group. 42.5% each.

Hope this helps.

Thanks reds, I didn't notice in your post it clearly says "commercial ocean striped bass"

thanks

I am all for reducing C&K........Too bad the coastal rec limit isn't adjusted to 1PP.. I guess someone has to take the lead?