The number of bluefin tuna in the Atlantic has been on a downward slide for years, so why has the federal government refused to lower the daily limit for commercial fishermen?
Earlier this year the United States tried to stop international trade on all bluefins then did a turnaround last week allowing National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries to leave the daily limit for commercial anglers at three giants or large mediums per day.
That is on top of the fact that bluefins spawn in the Gulf of Mexico, which is being devastated by the BP oil spill.
How does the federal government allow commercial anglers to deplete a fishery already under siege from so many quarters?
In the angling category, which includes charter and party boats without a commercial license, the quota is just one school or medium bluefin per day. It has become obvious that the NOAA is being swayed by commercial interests and letting conservation be damned.
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The Frost Valley YMCA in Claryville, N.Y., will host a Fly Fishing Field Day on Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The event is a great introduction to fly fishing. Visiting experts will provide instruction on all aspects of the sport, from casting techniques to identifying prime trout pools.
Fly Fishing Field Day is free to Frost Valley’s Outdoor Sporting Members. Non-members who wish to try out their new skills on a stream after practicing on a pond may do so for $15 (this can be applied toward a sporting membership).
For additional information about the Fly Fishing Day, contact Natural Resources and Environmental Science Coordinator Reid Bauer at (845) 985-2291 or visit FrostValley.org.
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A recent AnglerSurvey.com poll about the Gulf of Mexico oil leak crisis showed the majority of anglers put conservation concerns first. More than 67 percent of anglers who participated in the poll said the long-term health of fish populations as a result of the oil leak in the Gulf was a major concern.
Those responding to the poll also revealed the Gulf crisis will change their angling behavior in many ways. Slightly more than 40 percent of anglers who planned to fish the Gulf, Florida Keys or the east coast of Florida in the next 12 months anticipate their fishing activity in those areas will decrease as a result of the leak.