Commercial Crabbing License

[Tom Powers]

Or you can choose not to argue. . .

[madcrabber1113]

http://www.ccavirginia.org/cca_va_html/statechapter.html


Consider the source Ronnie, still trying to get in on the watermen board Tom?  Save the white wash for someone who actually buys it.  You are out for yourself plain and simple, don't sugar coat it.  You are going to pick them off one by one until no watermen are left.


Yes, let everyone make up their own mind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6THD4oySILU

If the video is true it is true what they said about the Nazis and the Germen people not caring about anyone being hauled off to camp untill they came for them.

[Mr. Ray III]

Or you can choose not to argue. . .

Good idea.  Choose not to argue with the watermen and just let them do what they do.  Leave us alone!

[madcrabber1113]

Good idea.  Choose not to argue with the watermen and just let them do what they do.  Leave us alone!

Unfortunately the government is way too involved with all business not just seafood.It's all a political game and the one with the most money wins period.

[Tom Powers]

Not arguing does not mean don't do anything. . .

Oh and my goal is to have a viable commercial crab industry in Virginia while at the same time maintaining the public's ability to catch and keep a moderate (1 bu per person or vessel per day) of crabs recreationally.

[rivercrab]

Not arguing does not mean don't do anything. . .

Oh and my goal is to have a viable commercial crab industry in Virginia while at the same time maintaining the public's ability to catch and keep a moderate (1 bu per person or vessel per day) of crabs recreationally.

Why would any family need a bushel a day anyways Tom..Maybe a week but not a day..And the crab fishery would be viable if VA wouldnt kill the sponges.. So maybe you should sit down there in Sponge Crab Killer land and think of a way to stop harvesting the sponges.. My opinion they should open the bay to both VA watermen to cross state lines and move north and make the whole lower bay below Tangier Sound a sanctuary all the way out to the ocean.. You cant take all the girls and expect a bunch of queers to make babies.. Just the way I see it.. Dont bitch when you dont have anything to add.

[BowMovements]

Why would any family need a bushel a day anyways Tom..Maybe a week but not a day..And the crab fishery would be viable if VA wouldnt kill the sponges.. So maybe you should sit down there in Sponge Crab Killer land and think of a way to stop harvesting the sponges.. My opinion they should open the bay to both VA watermen to cross state lines and move north and make the whole lower bay below Tangier Sound a sanctuary all the way out to the ocean.. You cant take all the girls and expect a bunch of queers to make babies.. Just the way I see it.. Dont bitch when you dont have anything to add.

  Amen to that, good response.  Although the best response to ingnorance is none at all.

[Tom Powers]

Actually about 1000 square miles of the lower bay is a sanctuary from May 1st through Sept. 15th which is when the sponge crabs are there.  This area extends from the MD line to the NC line and covers the deeper waters in the upper and mid bay as well as to the shore line of the bay in Most of Norfolk and all of Virginia Beach.  It also covers the coastal waters from the shore out to the three miles from Smith Point light to the NC line.  That area was determined by the scientists at VIMS based on where the female crabs are located throughout the year and where the sponge crabs go to lay their eggs.

Why a bushel?  Because most families do not get the opportunity to go out every day so what you are really talking about is a 1 bu limit on the occasions when they actually get out.   Besides that it is only a 1 bu limit per person if you are on shore or in a boat by yourself.  If you are on a vessel it is one Bu per vessel, so if two guys are crabbing they are really limited to 1/2 bu each.

On sponge crabs.  The real problem is a lack of overall biomass especially female crabs.  If you harvest a female crab while she still has eggs whether showing or not you are depleting the female biomass before they spawn.  Folks do that in all kinds of areas and in all states.  That is not just a Virginia issue.  MD crabbers harvest their share of female crabs during the peeler runs and in the fall.  Also see sanctuary above.

Female crabs can not make babies if there is an insufficient number of mature male crabs. 

Opening up MD waters to Virginia Crabbers is not going to do the folks that live in the lower bay much good.  Besides that I bet that the MD Watermen's Association would have a total hissy fit at the serious mention of such a thought.

[jack1747]

Why would any family need a bushel a day anyways Tom..Maybe a week but not a day..And the crab fishery would be viable if VA wouldnt kill the sponges.. So maybe you should sit down there in Sponge Crab Killer land and think of a way to stop harvesting the sponges.. My opinion they should open the bay to both VA watermen to cross state lines and move north and make the whole lower bay below Tangier Sound a sanctuary all the way out to the ocean.. You cant take all the girls and expect a bunch of queers to make babies.. Just the way I see it.. Dont bitch when you dont have anything to add.

I can not imagine what one would do with a bushel of crab a day either.. I don't know how they could enforce a bushel a week...  They can't enforce the rules that are already on the books.  My VMRC buddy laughs at the Reg's.  Unenforceable he says.. He says they officers would rather have just bushel quotas.  Just be at the harbor and count the baskets.

The Sanctuary already covers most of the VA part of the Bay.  From the MD line (above Tangiers) to out along the coast. http://www.mrc.virginia.gov/regulations/crab_sanctuary.pdf

[rivercrab]

That sanctuary doesnt cover sqawt..It covers the mainstem of the deep channels..Not the tributaries nor the channel edges..[Sam Hill] if that was the case MD could say our mainstem is sanctuary because nobody crabs in the shipping channels.. VA talks a good game but they dont do [shiz] to help the resource..You and everyone at the CCA like to spread BS..The winter Dredge numbers where wrong..After they made the regs they come back and say oh there was an 18% increase in population and still give us a 46% reduction.. Its all politics and I hope that all the members of the CCA someday get whats coming to them.. I honestly can tell you that I lay in bed at night and wish the worst upon your organization which is really sad..Nobody can come out and say what your true agenda is..I know and so does every other commercial fishermen in this country. Its is sad Mr Powers but that is how I feel..Go back to Brandiland with the rest of the CCA puke.

[madcrabber1113]

That sanctuary doesnt cover sqawt..It covers the mainstem of the deep channels..Not the tributaries nor the channel edges..[Sam Hill] if that was the case MD could say our mainstem is sanctuary because nobody crabs in the shipping channels.. VA talks a good game but they dont do [shiz] to help the resource..You and everyone at the CCA like to spread BS..The winter Dredge numbers where wrong..After they made the regs they come back and say oh there was an 18% increase in population and still give us a 46% reduction.. Its all politics and I hope that all the members of the CCA someday get whats coming to them.. I honestly can tell you that I lay in bed at night and wish the worst upon your organization which is really sad..Nobody can come out and say what your true agenda is..I know and so does every other commercial fishermen in this country. Its is sad Mr Powers but that is how I feel..Go back to Brandiland with the rest of the CCA puke.

Tell us how you really feel next time wont you 

[BowMovements]

Note to self:  remember madcrabbers birthday!

[Tom Powers]

I would say this is a little more than "squat"  The area in the red outline in the lower part of the bay is covered in state code.

http://www.mrc.virginia.gov/Regulations/crab_sanctuary.pdf

Working on a .jpg

[rivercrab]

It is sqwat..crabs only stay in that deep water in the winter.. How about the shores and the tributaries where the crabs actually migrate to in the spring and summer months Tom.. How about those areas... That sanctuary doesnt help then.. It only helps when the crabs bed for the winter..Then you idiots down there dredge em out of the mud.

[Tom Powers]

The data from the VIMS trawl survey, which is done in the spring, summer and fall indicated concentrations of mature female crabs in the sanctuary.  That is not to say that they are not elsewhere at the same time.  This sanctuary concept was proposed by the folks at VIMS, reviewed by the VMRC Crab Committee (of which I am a member) and approved by the Commission. . . it is not just my doing. . . It was not meant to completely halt the harvest of mature female crabs just to protect a substantial fraction of them.

I was a proponent of expanding it along the coast down VA beach way as a way to protect sponge crabs which concentrate in that area during the summer.  I had it put on the table at a crab committee meeting, but it still had the scientific review as well as committee and commission votes.

Oh and the dredge fishery was closed as of last March.  VMRC is offering the former participants jobs to work removing ghost pots from the water during the time of year when they formally dredged for crabs.

[rivercrab]

This sanctuary concept was proposed by the folks at VIMS, reviewed by the VMRC Crab Committee (of which I am a member) and approved by the Commission. . .

Go figure..The CCA has their hand in it..Just like everything else..Hey Tom answer me this..How come the CCA isnt going against the LNG plant at Sparrows Point.. If its conservation that you try to perserve then why let a bomb be built along a shoreline that is home to all sorts of wildlife..I understand this is a different subject but no where is the CCA mentioned in trying to stop them..But you are mentioned every where else when it comes to fish and wildlife.. Especially in the commercial sector.

[reds]

Go figure..The CCA has their hand in it..Just like everything else..Hey Tom answer me this..How come the CCA isnt going against the LNG plant at Sparrows Point.. If its conservation that you try to perserve then why let a bomb be built along a shoreline that is home to all sorts of wildlife..I understand this is a different subject but no where is the CCA mentioned in trying to stop them..But you are mentioned every where else when it comes to fish and wildlife.. Especially in the commercial sector.

Rule #1 Follow the money in that organization........ Who is in charge of National CCA and owns more stock in oil companies then the rest of the population of the US put together? Conservation only counts for the other guy. CCA 101.

[Tom Powers]

Go figure..The CCA has their hand in it . . . .

Two things.

 First when I serve on these committees I don't do it as CCA's man I serve on them representing all recreational fishermen/crabbers.  Quite regularly my position on these committees is contrary to the CCA VA position. 

Second, I am the only recreational crabber on the advisory committee.  The only other person on the committee who is not a commercial crabber or a picking house operator, is Chris Moore who is a Chesapeake Bay Foundation employee.  Thus something supported by that committee has to havethe support of the crabbers on the committee or it doesn't happen.

With respect to Sparrow Point is that in Virginia?  My efforts are are pretty much concentrated on Virginia issues.  In general I have a concern regarding liquid natural gas conversion systems that make use of seawater for heating purposes because of the potential negative impact to the ecosystem.

[DipNSip]

Tom,
Sparrow's Point is up in the Baltimore Harbor.

[BowMovements]

Tom,
Sparrow's Point is up in the Baltimore Harbor.

The question of Sparrows Point, I believe was retorical.  Unfortunaly, they don't help were they are needed though.  That poison plant will be built in my back yard and will cause severe natural habitat disturbance. We should focus on this problem a little more.

[rivercrab]

The question of Sparrows Point, I believe was retorical.  Unfortunaly, they don't help were they are needed though.  That poison plant will be built in my back yard and will cause severe natural habitat disturbance. We should focus on this problem a little more.

You are right brother..Nobody cares that a bomb that could take out all of baltimore and central MD is built..Im with you on that..It needs to be looked at and thrown the [Sam Hill] out... But if it where a commercial seafood processing plant the CCA would be all over it.Oh and by the way Tom..Dont sit back and say you dont sit on that Committee to represent the rec crabber..When everyone knows that your agenda is for pro CCA.. So go feed that BS elsewhere. I see the boys come to TFAC and SFAC meetings and try to get the dumbest [curd] changed..Cull rings and float sizes and net mesh and this and that..When you dont even have a clue why..You just show up to make things harder..If anyone had a chance and googled CCA they would see what a bunch of wool pulling morons you are.


Here is a few things that the great old CCA has done for the commercial fishing industry..You boys are quit busy



Accomplishments

PROHIBITED TRAWLING FOR TROUT (Texas 1978). Defined major-minor bait-producing bays, nursery areas (Texas 1979). Outlawed single-strand monofilament nets (Texas 1980). Protected billfish, except swordfish, from commercial harvest (Texas 1980). Outlawed gill, trammel nets (Texas 1990). Obtained game fish status for redfish, speckled trout (Texas 1981). John Wilson Hatchery completed (Texas 1982). Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (Maine) given authority to set limits on fish (Texas 1983). Obtained game fish status for redfish, speckled trout (Alabama 1984). Established saltwater stamp for anglers (Texas 1985). Halted commercial harvest of adult redfish in Gulf of Mexico (National 1986). Won game fish status for redfish, speckled trout (South Carolina 1986). Closed Apalachee, Blakeley rivers to shrimping; placed restrictions on gill nets (Alabama 1987). Obtained game fish status for marlin, sailfish (National 1988). Banned gill netting of flounder during spawning run (Alabama 1988). Won game fish status for redfish (Florida 1988). Banned possession of illegal fishing devices on or near Texas waters (Texas 1989). Prohibited sale of naturally raised, wild redfish (Texas 1989). Banned drift gill nets in South Atlantic (National 1990). Federal District Court upholds game fish status for billfish (National 1990). Intervened in lawsuit to uphold bans on fish traps, drift gill nets in South Atlantic (National 1991). Won approval of saltwater fishing license (Alabama 1991). Amendment to Louisiana Constitution approved, guaranteeing funds to preserve wetlands (Louisiana 1991). Won management of speckled trout (Louisiana 1991). Obtained permanent game fish status for redfish (Louisiana 1991). Won approval of saltwater fishing stamp (South Carolina 1991). Adopted no-harvest regulation for tarpon (Texas 1991). Minimum size, bag limits placed on cobia, amberjack, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, for commercial and recreational fishermen (Virginia 1991). Federal District Court upholds ban on drift nets in South Atlantic (National 1992). Formed Save Our Sealife Committee to get state constitutional amendment to limit marine net fishing in Florida waters (Florida 1992). Obtained game fish status for tarpon (Alabama 1993). Broke ground for SeaCenter Texas fish hatchery (Texas 1993). Established saltwater license (Virginia 1993). Created limited-entry plan for commercial fishing of black drum (Virginia 1993). Florida constitutional amendment limiting marine net fishing (Florida 1994). Stopped proposal to open sounds to shrimp trawling (Georgia 1994). Banned use of gill nets, purse seines in Presumpscot River (Maine 1994). Protected eel grass beds by prohibiting near-beach squid and scup dragging in Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds (Massachusetts 1994). Federal District Court approves ban on flynets in North Carolina (National 1995). Restricted use of gill nets (Alabama 1995). Outlawed most gill nets (Louisiana 1995). Intervened in Louisiana lawsuit challenging new gill net law (Louisiana 1995). Restricted use of gill nets in Kennebec River (Maine 1995). Placed minimum size, bag limit, commercial quota on speckled trout (Virginia 1995). Approved regulations requiring all commercial shrimpers operating in EEZ to use bycatch reduction devices (National 1996). Banned commercial gill nets in Old River (Alabama 1996). Banned use of tarp nets statewide (Florida 1996). Mandated bycatch reduction devices on all shrimp boats in northeast region (Florida 1996). Intervened in federal, state lawsuits to uphold Louisiana gill net ban (Louisiana 1996). Banned all non-biodegradable gill nets (Mississippi 1996). SeaCenter Texas opened, establishing world’s largest redfish hatchery (Texas 1996). Won commercial quota for bluefish (Virginia 1996). Mandated use of bycatch reduction devices on shrimp vessels (National 1997). Won adoption of bycatch reduction devices on shrimp boats (Georgia 1997). Obtained game fish status for cobia (Mississippi 1997). Secured $2.5 million from Bath Iron Works to remove Edwards Dam on Kennebec River (Maine 1997). Banned commercial fishing within one mile of barrier islands (Mississippi 1997). Restricted purse seining of menhaden in state waters (New York 1997). Outlawed use of gill, trammel nets for black fish (New York 1997). Won passage of Fisheries Reform Act, first comprehensive state fishery reform (North Carolina 1997). Passed first comprehensive state water plan (Texas 1997). Limited number of commercial crab licenses (Texas 1997). Won seat for recreational fishermen on Marine Resources Commission (Virginia 1997). Granted petition by National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) establishing blue, white marlin as overfished; 10-year recovery plan mandated (National 1998). Eliminated striped bass fishing in EEZ through striped Bass Act reauthorization (National 1998). Helped establish new state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Florida 1998). Mandated use of bycatch reduction devices on shrimp trawls in all state waters (Florida 1998). Created "Universal Fishing License," which includes saltwater as well as freshwater fishing (Georgia 1998). Obtained game fish status for shad (Maine 1998). Won no-sale regulation on black drum (Maryland 1998). Helped establish pro-conservation state Marine Fisheries Commission (North Carolina 1998). Intervened in federal lawsuit challenging NMFS requirement that shrimp trawlers pull bycatch reduction devices in Gulf of Mexico (Texas 1998). Won federal, state lawsuits upholding Louisiana’s gill net law (Louisiana 1999). Reduced number of commercial licenses sold to elver fishermen by 70 percent; shortened eel season by three weeks, removed 3,000 nets from Maine waters (Maine 1999). Created Marine Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee to advise state Department of Marine Resources (Maine 1999). Established limited-entry license management program for all finfish not under a management plan (Texas 1999). Eliminated kill citations for black, red drum (Virginia 1999). Stopped attempts to allow gill netting of striped bass along Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (Virginia 1999). Federal Court upholds requirement that Gulf shrimp trawlers pull bycatch reduction devices (National 1999). Helped draft and introduce the first comprehensive longline management bill in the 106th Congress (National 2000). Helped draft legislation that tightened regulations on the possession of illegal fishing gear (Mississippi 2000). Helped initiate the Freedom to Fish campaign to stop the arbitrary implementation of no-fishing zones (National 2000). Bycatch reduction devices become mandatory on shrimp trawls in Texas bays (Texas 2000). Sued NMFS to stop an arbitrary no-fishing zone off the Florida coast (National 2000). Played a critical role in the development and adoption of the first federal fishery management plan for mahi-mahi and wahoo (Florida 2000). Won federal court battle to maintain bycatch reduction devices in Gulf waters (National 2000). Sued NMFS in federal court to reduce excessive billfish, shark and turtle bycatch in Gulf and Atlantic longline operations (National 2000). Provided LDWF enforcement agents with navigation, global positioning and sonar equipment (Louisiana 2000). Raised grassroots funds to protect angler access along the New Hampshire coast (New Hampshire 2000). Successfully worked in establishing regulations to protect spawning groundfish (Maine 2000). Helped fund the creation of near-shore reefs along the Georgia coast (Georgia 2000). Successfully led opposition to closing Gray’s Reef to recreational fishing (Georgia 2000). U. S. Supreme Court issues final ruling upholding Louisiana’s 1995 gill-net ban (Louisiana 2001). Led efforts to set recreational size, creel limits for flounder; new licensing requirements for commercial gigging, commercial size limit, and annual commercial quota for flounder (Mississippi 2001). Reached favorable settlement in NMFS no-fishing zone suit, allowing recreational trolling in previously restricted area (National 2001). Successfully raised $450,000 in cash and in-kind donations to purchase and remove the Smelt Hill Dam (Maine 2001). Reorganization of Menhaden Management Board ends commercial-fishing industry control (National 2001). Texas’ most comprehensive water bill passes Texas legislature (Texas 2001). Helped retool a bill that would have allowed destructive hydraulic dredging of clams in Virginia waters (Virginia 2001). Launched Gulf-wide phone number – 866-WE ENFORCE – to report coastal game violations (Louisiana 2001). Worked through state legislature and private foundations to continue critical funding for Florida’s state saltwater hatchery, resulting in the 1,000,000th redfish fingerling released in Florida waters (Florida 2001). Opposed Texas Shrimp Association petition to close recreation red snapper season (National 2001). Successfully worked for passage of new redfish conservation regulations (South Carolina 2001). Launched first ever Texas crab trap removal (Texas 2002). Helped ensure areas around Mississippi’s barrier islands are included in Department of Marine Resources’ definition of areas closed to commercial fishing (Mississippi (2002). Mobilized to oppose expansion of commercial shrimp trawling in St. Johns River; commercial request was withdrawn (Florida 2002). Provided TPWD game wardens with night vision equipment (Texas 2002). Constructed Bird Island Artificial Reef (Louisiana 2002). Helped pass first major amendments to state manatee legislation in last 10 years, establishing measurable biological goals for manatees (Florida 2002). Convinced Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to begin rule-making process on use of multiple seine nets tied together and "toy boats" used to circumvent net restrictions (Florida 2002). Defeated initiative by commercial interests to allow commercial harvest of Cobia in Mississippi waters (Mississippi 2003). Funded an expanded TAMU study on spotted seatrout catch-and-release mortality (Texas 2003). Launched first-ever derelict crab trap removal program in the state (Louisiana 2004). Broke the $2 million mark in college and graduate scholarships awarded (Texas 2004). Won passage of the Coastal Recreational Fishing License (North Carolina 2004). Banned trawling in the Upper Mobile Bay shallows (Alabama 2004). Funded more than $530,000 in enforcement equipment and research needs for TPWD over past four years (Texas 2004). Secured grant money for oyster reefs in the Bay of St. Louis & Biloxi Bay (Mississippi 2004). Championed efforts to restore southern flounder stocks through harvest reductions, size and bag limits, license requirements and seasonal closures (North Carolina 2004). Bay Debris Clean-up Project surpasses the 1,150 tons of harmful debris removed from Texas bay systems (Texas 2004). Worked through its representative on the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas to implement measures outlawing the practice of shark finning in the Atlantic (CCA National 2004). Instrumental in the effort to secure tideland funds for speckled trout hatchery (Mississippi 2004). One of four members of a cooperative effort called Menhaden Matter formed to investigate the status of menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay to ensure adequate populations for its role as forage base and filter feeder. (CCA National 2004). Intervened successfully in a case before the First District Court of Appeals attempting to circumvent the net ban and bring back gill nets (Florida 2005). Helped establish the first-ever hatchery for southern flounder (North Carolina 2005). Achieved stronger protection for large permit (Florida 2005). Defeated legislative initiative to reduce minimum size of speckled trout (Mississippi 2005). Successful passage of legislation to increase criminal penalties to a third degree felony for flagrant illegal gillnetting (Florida 2005). Worked with the Biscayne National Park Fishery Working Group to curtail and modify proposed no-entry and no-fishing zones (Florida 2005). Sued in U.S. District Court to end overfishing of red snapper by the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fleet (National 2005). Constructed an inshore reef in Perdido Bay with tons of clean concrete rubble (Alabama 2006). Won lawsuit in federal district court to block federal attempt to close all recreational fishing for all species of grouper for three months (Florida 2006). Donated enforcement equipment to Law Enforcement Division of the Department of Environmental Conservation (New York 2007). Integrally involved in the Oyster Shell Recycling Program to improve water quality and create habitat for fish (North Carolina 2007). Led successful national effort to keep open-loop LNG terminals out of Gulf of Mexico (National 2006). Won first-ever harvest cap on the industrial harvest of menhaden in Chesapeake Bay (Virginia & Maryland 2006). Constructed Redfish Point Artificial Reef (Louisiana 2006). Funded $700,000 for construction of a state-of-the-art marine larviculture research lab (Texas 2007). Won a moratorium on river herring, allowing near-collapsed stocks chance to recover (North Carolina 2007). Launched chapters in Washington and Oregon to address marine conservation issues (National 2007). Partnered with Texas Parks & Wildlife Department to retire $200,000 worth of commercial shrimping licenses (Texas 2007). Announced creation of the Building Conservation / Habitat Program (National 2007). Served integral role in the Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative to develop marine habitat enhancement projects (Maryland 2007). Won lawsuit in federal district court forcing NMFS to address shrimp trawl bycatch in the management of Gulf red snapper (National 2007).





And you want me to feel greatful that you sit on a board that makes decisions for Recreational and Commercial folks..You gotta be kidding right

[Tom Powers]

"When everyone knows that your agenda is for pro CCA."

I don't know how from the few posts here and on other boards out there that such is the case.  Yes I am on the board of directors in VA as was posted earlier. . . but MY agenda is often inconsistent with a pro CCA agenda.  Especially when it comes to crabs. 

That is not to say that I am ready to make disparaging remarks about he organization either.

My interactions are 99% dealing with Virginia issues.  I have had very few interactions with the national office so it is difficult to deal with disparaging remarks regarding something that is done in other states or the national organization. 

CCA is made up MOSTLY of recreational anglers.  I happen to know that some members are commercial fishermen, some members hold other positions in other sectors of the seafood industry, and some members are even lobbyists for different parts of the seafood industry.  One can understand that the recreational have recreational leanings and biases which tend to be contrary to commercial interests. 

That being said the same can be said regarding the Maryland Watermen's association or the Virginia Waterman's Association or any other waterman's association with commercial and recreational swapped.

Oh and you feeling grateful? ? That is not an issue to me.  I serve representing recreational interests as well as the interests of the natural resources themselves.  I try to work with the Virginia watermen on many issues, we don't always agree but often do.

[jack1747]

You are right brother..Nobody cares that a bomb that could take out all of baltimore and central MD is built..Im with you on that..It needs to be looked at and thrown the [Sam Hill] out... But if it where a commercial seafood processing plant the CCA would be all over it.Oh and by the way Tom..Dont sit back and say you dont sit on that Committee to represent the rec crabber..When everyone knows that your agenda is for pro CCA.. So go feed that BS elsewhere. I see the boys come to TFAC and SFAC meetings and try to get the dumbest [curd] changed..Cull rings and float sizes and net mesh and this and that..When you dont even have a clue why..You just show up to make things harder..If anyone had a chance and googled CCA they would see what a bunch of wool pulling morons you are.


Here is a few things that the great old CCA has done for the commercial fishing industry..You boys are quit busy



Accomplishments

PROHIBITED TRAWLING FOR TROUT (Texas 1978). Defined major-minor bait-producing bays, nursery areas (Texas 1979). Outlawed single-strand monofilament nets (Texas 1980). Protected billfish, except swordfish, from commercial harvest (Texas 1980). Outlawed gill, trammel nets (Texas 1990). Obtained game fish status for redfish, speckled trout (Texas 1981). John Wilson Hatchery completed (Texas 1982). Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (Maine) given authority to set limits on fish (Texas 1983). Obtained game fish status for redfish, speckled trout (Alabama 1984). Established saltwater stamp for anglers (Texas 1985). Halted commercial harvest of adult redfish in Gulf of Mexico (National 1986). Won game fish status for redfish, speckled trout (South Carolina 1986). Closed Apalachee, Blakeley rivers to shrimping; placed restrictions on gill nets (Alabama 1987). Obtained game fish status for marlin, sailfish (National 1988). Banned gill netting of flounder during spawning run (Alabama 1988). Won game fish status for redfish (Florida 1988). Banned possession of illegal fishing devices on or near Texas waters (Texas 1989). Prohibited sale of naturally raised, wild redfish (Texas 1989). Banned drift gill nets in South Atlantic (National 1990). Federal District Court upholds game fish status for billfish (National 1990). Intervened in lawsuit to uphold bans on fish traps, drift gill nets in South Atlantic (National 1991). Won approval of saltwater fishing license (Alabama 1991). Amendment to Louisiana Constitution approved, guaranteeing funds to preserve wetlands (Louisiana 1991). Won management of speckled trout (Louisiana 1991). Obtained permanent game fish status for redfish (Louisiana 1991). Won approval of saltwater fishing stamp (South Carolina 1991). Adopted no-harvest regulation for tarpon (Texas 1991). Minimum size, bag limits placed on cobia, amberjack, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, for commercial and recreational fishermen (Virginia 1991). Federal District Court upholds ban on drift nets in South Atlantic (National 1992). Formed Save Our Sealife Committee to get state constitutional amendment to limit marine net fishing in Florida waters (Florida 1992). Obtained game fish status for tarpon (Alabama 1993). Broke ground for SeaCenter Texas fish hatchery (Texas 1993). Established saltwater license (Virginia 1993). Created limited-entry plan for commercial fishing of black drum (Virginia 1993). Florida constitutional amendment limiting marine net fishing (Florida 1994). Stopped proposal to open sounds to shrimp trawling (Georgia 1994). Banned use of gill nets, purse seines in Presumpscot River (Maine 1994). Protected eel grass beds by prohibiting near-beach squid and scup dragging in Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds (Massachusetts 1994). Federal District Court approves ban on flynets in North Carolina (National 1995). Restricted use of gill nets (Alabama 1995). Outlawed most gill nets (Louisiana 1995). Intervened in Louisiana lawsuit challenging new gill net law (Louisiana 1995). Restricted use of gill nets in Kennebec River (Maine 1995). Placed minimum size, bag limit, commercial quota on speckled trout (Virginia 1995). Approved regulations requiring all commercial shrimpers operating in EEZ to use bycatch reduction devices (National 1996). Banned commercial gill nets in Old River (Alabama 1996). Banned use of tarp nets statewide (Florida 1996). Mandated bycatch reduction devices on all shrimp boats in northeast region (Florida 1996). Intervened in federal, state lawsuits to uphold Louisiana gill net ban (Louisiana 1996). Banned all non-biodegradable gill nets (Mississippi 1996). SeaCenter Texas opened, establishing world’s largest redfish hatchery (Texas 1996). Won commercial quota for bluefish (Virginia 1996). Mandated use of bycatch reduction devices on shrimp vessels (National 1997). Won adoption of bycatch reduction devices on shrimp boats (Georgia 1997). Obtained game fish status for cobia (Mississippi 1997). Secured $2.5 million from Bath Iron Works to remove Edwards Dam on Kennebec River (Maine 1997). Banned commercial fishing within one mile of barrier islands (Mississippi 1997). Restricted purse seining of menhaden in state waters (New York 1997). Outlawed use of gill, trammel nets for black fish (New York 1997). Won passage of Fisheries Reform Act, first comprehensive state fishery reform (North Carolina 1997). Passed first comprehensive state water plan (Texas 1997). Limited number of commercial crab licenses (Texas 1997). Won seat for recreational fishermen on Marine Resources Commission (Virginia 1997). Granted petition by National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) establishing blue, white marlin as overfished; 10-year recovery plan mandated (National 1998). Eliminated striped bass fishing in EEZ through striped Bass Act reauthorization (National 1998). Helped establish new state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Florida 1998). Mandated use of bycatch reduction devices on shrimp trawls in all state waters (Florida 1998). Created "Universal Fishing License," which includes saltwater as well as freshwater fishing (Georgia 1998). Obtained game fish status for shad (Maine 1998). Won no-sale regulation on black drum (Maryland 1998). Helped establish pro-conservation state Marine Fisheries Commission (North Carolina 1998). Intervened in federal lawsuit challenging NMFS requirement that shrimp trawlers pull bycatch reduction devices in Gulf of Mexico (Texas 1998). Won federal, state lawsuits upholding Louisiana’s gill net law (Louisiana 1999). Reduced number of commercial licenses sold to elver fishermen by 70 percent; shortened eel season by three weeks, removed 3,000 nets from Maine waters (Maine 1999). Created Marine Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee to advise state Department of Marine Resources (Maine 1999). Established limited-entry license management program for all finfish not under a management plan (Texas 1999). Eliminated kill citations for black, red drum (Virginia 1999). Stopped attempts to allow gill netting of striped bass along Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (Virginia 1999). Federal Court upholds requirement that Gulf shrimp trawlers pull bycatch reduction devices (National 1999). Helped draft and introduce the first comprehensive longline management bill in the 106th Congress (National 2000). Helped draft legislation that tightened regulations on the possession of illegal fishing gear (Mississippi 2000). Helped initiate the Freedom to Fish campaign to stop the arbitrary implementation of no-fishing zones (National 2000). Bycatch reduction devices become mandatory on shrimp trawls in Texas bays (Texas 2000). Sued NMFS to stop an arbitrary no-fishing zone off the Florida coast (National 2000). Played a critical role in the development and adoption of the first federal fishery management plan for mahi-mahi and wahoo (Florida 2000). Won federal court battle to maintain bycatch reduction devices in Gulf waters (National 2000). Sued NMFS in federal court to reduce excessive billfish, shark and turtle bycatch in Gulf and Atlantic longline operations (National 2000). Provided LDWF enforcement agents with navigation, global positioning and sonar equipment (Louisiana 2000). Raised grassroots funds to protect angler access along the New Hampshire coast (New Hampshire 2000). Successfully worked in establishing regulations to protect spawning groundfish (Maine 2000). Helped fund the creation of near-shore reefs along the Georgia coast (Georgia 2000). Successfully led opposition to closing Gray’s Reef to recreational fishing (Georgia 2000). U. S. Supreme Court issues final ruling upholding Louisiana’s 1995 gill-net ban (Louisiana 2001). Led efforts to set recreational size, creel limits for flounder; new licensing requirements for commercial gigging, commercial size limit, and annual commercial quota for flounder (Mississippi 2001). Reached favorable settlement in NMFS no-fishing zone suit, allowing recreational trolling in previously restricted area (National 2001). Successfully raised $450,000 in cash and in-kind donations to purchase and remove the Smelt Hill Dam (Maine 2001). Reorganization of Menhaden Management Board ends commercial-fishing industry control (National 2001). Texas’ most comprehensive water bill passes Texas legislature (Texas 2001). Helped retool a bill that would have allowed destructive hydraulic dredging of clams in Virginia waters (Virginia 2001). Launched Gulf-wide phone number – 866-WE ENFORCE – to report coastal game violations (Louisiana 2001). Worked through state legislature and private foundations to continue critical funding for Florida’s state saltwater hatchery, resulting in the 1,000,000th redfish fingerling released in Florida waters (Florida 2001). Opposed Texas Shrimp Association petition to close recreation red snapper season (National 2001). Successfully worked for passage of new redfish conservation regulations (South Carolina 2001). Launched first ever Texas crab trap removal (Texas 2002). Helped ensure areas around Mississippi’s barrier islands are included in Department of Marine Resources’ definition of areas closed to commercial fishing (Mississippi (2002). Mobilized to oppose expansion of commercial shrimp trawling in St. Johns River; commercial request was withdrawn (Florida 2002). Provided TPWD game wardens with night vision equipment (Texas 2002). Constructed Bird Island Artificial Reef (Louisiana 2002). Helped pass first major amendments to state manatee legislation in last 10 years, establishing measurable biological goals for manatees (Florida 2002). Convinced Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to begin rule-making process on use of multiple seine nets tied together and "toy boats" used to circumvent net restrictions (Florida 2002). Defeated initiative by commercial interests to allow commercial harvest of Cobia in Mississippi waters (Mississippi 2003). Funded an expanded TAMU study on spotted seatrout catch-and-release mortality (Texas 2003). Launched first-ever derelict crab trap removal program in the state (Louisiana 2004). Broke the $2 million mark in college and graduate scholarships awarded (Texas 2004). Won passage of the Coastal Recreational Fishing License (North Carolina 2004). Banned trawling in the Upper Mobile Bay shallows (Alabama 2004). Funded more than $530,000 in enforcement equipment and research needs for TPWD over past four years (Texas 2004). Secured grant money for oyster reefs in the Bay of St. Louis & Biloxi Bay (Mississippi 2004). Championed efforts to restore southern flounder stocks through harvest reductions, size and bag limits, license requirements and seasonal closures (North Carolina 2004). Bay Debris Clean-up Project surpasses the 1,150 tons of harmful debris removed from Texas bay systems (Texas 2004). Worked through its representative on the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas to implement measures outlawing the practice of shark finning in the Atlantic (CCA National 2004). Instrumental in the effort to secure tideland funds for speckled trout hatchery (Mississippi 2004). One of four members of a cooperative effort called Menhaden Matter formed to investigate the status of menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay to ensure adequate populations for its role as forage base and filter feeder. (CCA National 2004). Intervened successfully in a case before the First District Court of Appeals attempting to circumvent the net ban and bring back gill nets (Florida 2005). Helped establish the first-ever hatchery for southern flounder (North Carolina 2005). Achieved stronger protection for large permit (Florida 2005). Defeated legislative initiative to reduce minimum size of speckled trout (Mississippi 2005). Successful passage of legislation to increase criminal penalties to a third degree felony for flagrant illegal gillnetting (Florida 2005). Worked with the Biscayne National Park Fishery Working Group to curtail and modify proposed no-entry and no-fishing zones (Florida 2005). Sued in U.S. District Court to end overfishing of red snapper by the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fleet (National 2005). Constructed an inshore reef in Perdido Bay with tons of clean concrete rubble (Alabama 2006). Won lawsuit in federal district court to block federal attempt to close all recreational fishing for all species of grouper for three months (Florida 2006). Donated enforcement equipment to Law Enforcement Division of the Department of Environmental Conservation (New York 2007). Integrally involved in the Oyster Shell Recycling Program to improve water quality and create habitat for fish (North Carolina 2007). Led successful national effort to keep open-loop LNG terminals out of Gulf of Mexico (National 2006). Won first-ever harvest cap on the industrial harvest of menhaden in Chesapeake Bay (Virginia & Maryland 2006). Constructed Redfish Point Artificial Reef (Louisiana 2006). Funded $700,000 for construction of a state-of-the-art marine larviculture research lab (Texas 2007). Won a moratorium on river herring, allowing near-collapsed stocks chance to recover (North Carolina 2007). Launched chapters in Washington and Oregon to address marine conservation issues (National 2007). Partnered with Texas Parks & Wildlife Department to retire $200,000 worth of commercial shrimping licenses (Texas 2007). Announced creation of the Building Conservation / Habitat Program (National 2007). Served integral role in the Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative to develop marine habitat enhancement projects (Maryland 2007). Won lawsuit in federal district court forcing NMFS to address shrimp trawl bycatch in the management of Gulf red snapper (National 2007).





And you want me to feel greatful that you sit on a board that makes decisions for Recreational and Commercial folks..You gotta be kidding right

Wow.    You made a good case for folks to join the CCA. 

[R D]

And half of the things they have done to watermen are not even on there,I love the lawsuits like the one against the no fishing zones in the gulf that they were all for until they found out it included rec anglers,thats no way to manage fish,it's only supposed to apply to commercial guys and the lawsuit against the shrimpers for more reduction on red snapper bycatch,shrimping industry was down 50% by 2005 due to imports and fuel prices,the hurricanes of 2005 wiped out 70% of what was left and these guys want to put more restrictions on what few are left to make up for the real problem which is overfishing by the recreational fishing industry in the eastern gulf. but what has the CCA done to address that?

[Mr. Ray III]

Guys, we can argue with CCA nutjobs all we want.  It won't make a difference.  Tom can act as innocent as he wants and we can argue that.  But everyone already knows, the CCA is a hypocritical organization.

From dictionary.com

Hypocrite

1. a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, esp. a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.
2. a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, esp. one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements.


This is exactly how Tom and his organization act.  Take crabs for themselves and say they don't want to hurt watermen, then go and say ban commercial fishing.

So my point is, its not worth arguing.  Let him be.  He is the one thats gotta sleep at night knowing he wants to kick tens of thousands of people out of work.  Great Job Tom, Keep Up The Good Work.