Saltwater fishermen: Your most imporatant meeting is in 45 minutes. Get there!

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!!!!!
NOAA officials have said over and over again that the red snapper stock in the Gulf is recovered and is no longer overfished.
The move to separate the recreational sector is not based in good science or good economics. 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. 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.
We 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 Monday, August 18 at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Place Hotel located at 6080 Bluebonnet Blvd. 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

Thanks for your time,