Critical meeting for Mississippi Fisherman tonight Courtyard Gulfport 6pm

As you may have heard or read, the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council is considering Amendment 40, which would separate the charter boats in the Gulf from the rest of the recreational fishermen when it comes to catching red snapper. If Amendment 40 passes, it is likely that up to 75 percent of the entire Gulf red snapper fishery will be privately held by a few individuals, for private profit.
Federal officials with NOAA have already said this move would result in private recreational fishermen having only 1 day to fish for red snapper in federal waters next year. 1 DAY to fish for a stock of fish that has never been healthier!!!!! What do you think they will do with Grouper, Cobia, Tuna, etc. You can kiss saltwater fishing goodbye.

NOAA officials have said over and over again that the red snapper stock in the Gulf is recovered and is no longer overfished. But so what, they say they still must destroy recreational fisherman. As Roy Crabtree famously says the bigger and healthier the stock is the less you can catch,.
The move to separate the recreational sector is not based in good science or good economics. It is all politics. It is being pushed by a small group of people who want to restrict who gets to fish and who want to make more money. Our fish are a public resource. Many of you have invested money in private reefs or supported fishing banks or the creation of the Modules. They should not be held in the hands of a select few individuals.

CCA is working across the country to try and enact long-term fixes to the law that would change the way the federal government manages recreational fishing. Opposition to Amendment 40 is a big battle in a big war. They are not against charter fishermen—we even understand their frustration. But, Amendment 40 is a band aid move to make a small group happy for a short time while the federal government continues to poorly manage our fish. Amendment 40 is counterproductive to practical, long-lasting and consistent management.
You have the opportunity to tell the Gulf Council that Amendment 40 is a bad move at a meeting in Baton Rouge Tuesday, August 18 at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Place Hotel located at 6080 Bluebonnet Blvd. This move is not supported by the Mississippi Charter Boast Association.

It is important that we, as concerned recreational fishermen, come to this meeting to let the Gulf Council know recreational fishing is important to our culture and economy. They must hear that they cannot take away access to our fish.
For more information on Amendment 40, please see click: LINK
We need as many as possible to appear and comment. If you cannot make it, please take the time to comment online: LINK

Many years from now as you lie in your bed dying, what will you say to your grandchildren when they ask why you could never could take them fishing like you did with their dad. Would you not trade all the days from now until then, for one more chance, just one, to keep your fishing rights and freedom.

Come and make your presence felt, and your anger palatable. Let me be none that we are sick and tired of this and we are not going to take it anymore!

This is the last public meeting may it be memorable and go down in teh annuals of history as the beginning of the end to the NOAA tyrants .

August 19, 2014

Courtyard by Marriott Gulfport
1600 E. Beach Blvd.
Gulfport, MS

Much of this was stolen from geauxpimp prior message about Baton Rouge meeting. Thanks BTW.
This was not covered by local papers. This message is not the position nor does it claim to be the position of CCA Mississippi or CCA national but my own personal opinions)