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From: Lead Slinger
Date: 8/13/2019
Time: 6:02:54 PM
I'm sure these same arguments were put forth when limits were placed on red drum. Following info is from a paper put out by MFC in 2010 (they were debating relaxing red drum limits, but decided against it).
- stock status assessed by static Spawning Potential Ratio (sSPR).
- Overfishing is defined as sSPR <30%
- Target sSPR = 40%
- 1991 sSPR was in range of 2 - 3% (that isn't a typo).
- NC implements 18-27" slot limit, 5 fish per day rec limit, and 250,000 lb commercial cap.
- New assessment from 1992 to 1998 determined sSPR increased to 18% (still overfished).
- 2001 - NC prohibits harvesting red drum >27", rec limit 1 fish per day, commercial trip limit of 7 fish .
- 2008 - new assessment put sSPR at or slightly above 40%.
- 2009 benchmark estimated that 3-year running average from 2005 - 2007 sSPR = 45.3%
Anyway, my opinion is that if these limits weren't put into place then, we wouldn't have any red drum left to catch today. Apparently the stock had to reach almost rock bottom before action was taken. NCMFC is considering rather drastic reductions in Southern Flounder harvest - so my guess is we've almost reached rock bottom no that species. It doesn't have to be that way - HB483 is a step in the right direction.
I don't ask (nor expect) to catch fish. All I want is the possibility to catch a fish. Life would be rather sad when all hope of that is lost.