(revised)
Our halibut problems are well known – the one fish ruling in 2009, additional restrictions threatened for 2010, and the 2011/12 catch share plan have come down on us like a ton of bricks. Southeast Alaska is in jeopardy of losing its reputation as a premier sportfishing destination. So what are we doing about it?
- In January, SEAGO announced a two part plan here: http://www.seagoalaska.org/newsletters/2010-01-18_special_email.html with 2010 recommendations and the introduction of the SEAKER program. Gone is the ‘finger-pointing’ and it has been replaced with consideration for the economic impact to the coastal communities where we live and work. We believe that we have created a win-win-win (comfish, charter, & community) and we are being heard by people that count.
- Second, we have engaged our customers in the halibut discussion – see our announcement on the ‘Save Alaska Sportfishing Program’ here: http://www.seagoalaska.org/newsletters/2009-11-30_special_email.html . Our goal is to have the 100,000 anglers who visit each year, add their voice to ours when speaking out to regulators. We encourage you bring your customers on board too.
- The world belongs to those who show up. SEAGO has shown up and spoken out at IPHC, NPFMC, and BOF meetings about the needs of our industry and our communities. Some examples are here: http://www.seagoalaska.org/documents/2010-02-09_newsletter/NMFS%20Letter-1-6-10.pdf and http://www.seagoalaska.org/documents/2010-02-09_newsletter/NPFMC-2-1-10.pdf
- And we take the time to keep you informed on key matters through news flashes and our monthly newsletters. http://www.seagoalaska.org/who_news.html
In the past year we fought off more than 50 toxic proposals at the Board of Fisheries, we’ve engaged ADF&G for progressive change, and we show up every day to fight on your behalf. And we are getting results but we need your help to continue.
Please Help Make it Happen
For the SEAGO halibut plan to have any hope of succeeding:
- We need to become part of a single united industry all pulling in the same direction.
- Federal and local politicians need to hear you – regularly and often.
- It takes your financial support – this is Washington DC politics and it isn’t a cheap game to play.
The SEAGO plan will save your operation and the many small businesses in your coastal community that depend on tourism dollars that flow through charter fishing. If we succeed, that future will be bright. If we don’t – you’ll face halibut regulations that make a simple one per day limit look like the good old days.
Your Financial Contribution is Critical for Success
Have a look at our 2010 plans (http://www.seagoalaska.org/documents/SEAGO-2010-Membership.pdf ) and please consider joining our cause. We can’t continue without you.
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Thanks in advance for your continued support of SEAGO. If you have any questions please contact John Blair at john@seagoalaska.org
