Attention Fisherman:

The 2008 recreational minimum size for summer flounder was 19 inches. This represents the most stringent regulations for recreational flounder fisherman, since the early 1990's when coast wide management measures were implemented. Summer flounder begin to spawn at two or three years old, at lengths of about 10 inches, according to the Atlantic States Fisheries Management Commission (ASMFC). It is also reported that over 90% of the summer flounder caught over 18 inches are female fish. This big increase in minimum size limit translates into more flounder being caught and handled in order to land a legal size flounder. Fisherman here in Wachapreague, report having to throw back many flounder between 16 and 18 inches, some of which are gut hooked and may die, before they catch that 19 inch keeper. This bodes the question as to whether the current flounder regulations are counter productive and actually hurting the summer flounder population

According to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), using baseline data from 1980 to 1989, the current plan allocates the summer flounder quota on a 60/40 % basis to commercial and recreational fisherman, respectively. The commissions summer flounder board increased the 2009 total allowable landings for summer flounder by 6 %, from 2008. The increase is a direct result of the Stock Assessment Workshop (SAW), and Peer Review. The SAW. and Peer Review group stated that summer flounder is no longer over fished and is not experiencing over fishing, but it is not yet rebuilt, according to the goals set forth by the Magnuson - Stevens Act. According to Jeff Deem, a member of the Mid Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (MAFMC), "I believe we all have an obligation to temper the impending economic hardships that will be created by the proposed regulations".

Recreational Anglers have a significant impact on the Nations economy. The industry of recreational fishing provides thousands of jobs for people. Businesses like the tackle shops and dealers to the manufacturers of fishing accessories and boat builders, along with countless companies in the travel and hospitality sector who provide services to the fisherman. According to a report on fishing statistics, published by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), Americas nearly 40 million anglers spend over $45 billion per year on fishing equipment, transportation, lodging and other expenses associated with sports fishing. With a total annual economic impact of $125 billion, fishing supports over one million jobs and generates $34 billion in wages and $16 billion in tax revenues each year. Some modifications in the Magnuson - Stevens act for fisherman, would be a stimulus package within itself.

Substantially more than any other groups, anglers support the nations conservation efforts through the Sports Fish Restoration Program. Special taxes on fishing gear and motor boat fuel channel hundreds of millions of anglers dollars to state fish and wildlife conservation and recreation programs each year. These figures add to the many reasons why we strongly supported last years House Bill HR5425, also cited as the "Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2008".Congressman Frank Pallone of New Jersey, who introduced HR. 5425, has pledged to reintroduce the same bill in the 111th Congress, which began on January 6th.

Get involved in the management of our marine fisheries! Join a state and national recreational fishing organization - the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA), for example, has been leading the charge in the lobbying effort on behalf of the Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2008. You can also contact your elected representatives to advance the cause for flexibility and fairness in fisheries management. We have links here to our state and federal representatives.

We have put together a short form letter to make it easier for you to send a note to these representatives. (see below)

E-mail they will receive from you!

From: (Your E-mail address inserted here)
To: DelLLewis@house.state.va.us, district06@sov.state.va.us
Subject: Summer Flounder Fishery H.R. 1584
Cc: (Your E-mail address inserted here)

Dear Delegate Lewis & Senator Northam

I am writing to urge your support of House Bill H.R.1584, currently before Congress,
intended to amend the "Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Management Act".

This bill is designed to bring much needed flexibility in rebuilding the stocks of certain fisheries which include the summer flounder. The current status of the summer flounder spawning stock biomass has grown from a low of 15.5 million pounds in 1989 to a high of 97.2 million pounds in 2005. The stock has grown to more than 6 times its lowest value and currently hovers around the highest SSB ever recorded in history.

I do not believe we should severely restrict recreational fisherman who enjoy this fishery and put thousands of businesses that support them out of business. It is wrong to sacrifice the livelihood of these people and other businesses that have existed for generations when we have a healthy and possibly recovered fishery. It is possible to manage this fishery and save the related industries while we learn just how far this stock can grow.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely, (Your Name will be inserted here)

(Your E-mail address inserted here) Please consider this my digital signature.
Phone: = (your phone number inserted here) You are welcome to call and verify if necessary.