Originally posted by slug:
Full Freezer,
Wa. has no subsistance fisheries other than tribal.
And it is a pretty sad state of affairs when I am considered the wrong "color" to be able to provide for my family. Since when is it not my right, but the right of a certain minority group to provide "subsistance" for my family?
I do not think the answer lies with decreasing the limit down to 3 crabs, as I agree with others that 3 crab is generally not worth the time or expense. I have always been an advocate for common sense retention, but was lambasted once for disagreeing with a fellow on this board for taking home crab when he was tired of eating it, and giving it away to "friends and neighbors".... I just do not feel the resource is plenty enough for that type of generousity. Take what you and yours can eat, but not you, yours, theirs, and ours....
I am also a staunch supporter of the notion that way too much seafood goes to waste in the store. Shelf life is far too short. If I cannot catch it, then I do not need to eat it. Simple as that. Take the commercials out of the equation and the problem is largely solved. Hell, the loggers had to learn different trades, same for the commercials. Their day is gone. Times change, and we must change with them. Not just some, but all.
This is my main gripe with the Tribes. They want all the modern conveniences that this "Foreign nation" has exposed them too, but they do not want to adapt to the changes necessary in todays world to bring benefit to all people. Mormons had to give up a religious belief/practice held dear to them when times changed (polygamy) even though it was deeply rooted in their religion and heritage.
Alas, we do not live in a fair society, although we espouse that we want fairness for all.
Anybody that is not in a minority group complains of unfairness, then the accusations start flying of bigotry and racism.
Until this way of thinking stops, we will continue to lose what is precious to us to the interests of small minority groups.
MC