Quote:
Originally Posted by B-Faithful
The recreational side does not operate under quotas. They have targets. The target was exceeded in 2009. However it was well under the target (by 33%) for this current year. The 2009 number is so out of wack and viewed as an anomaly that it is being investigated by the ASMFC. The exceeding of the target should not occur unless we have stretches of good weather, an exceptionally good year of fishing, or other unique factors. Therefore this would be far more of an act of conservation. However it would provide protection to if and when on occassion we exceed the targets Maryland has in order to protect the benefits of recreational fishing. MSSA is not asking for season extensions or liberalization of current recreational regulations.
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The only difference between a "target" and a quota is there are no teeth in the law to enforce when the "target" is exceeded. Let's change it to a quota, initiate daily call-in reporting and tagging for recs, and immediately close the season when the quota is reached. THAT'S conservation - maintaining the biomass within the prescribed guidelines determined by the scientists.