It was an evening of public testimony calling many facets of the rockfish plan into question. Suddenly, here comes a "Commish" who not only supports restrictions on the recreational fishery and the creation of MPA's or "Marine Protected Areas" (no fishing zones) but Jennings went so far as to belittle others who testified before him! END QUOTE


Id like to modify that, since I was there.

1. He disagreed with the opinion of those in the audience, that we dont have enough science to make a decision on MPA I would not call it belittle. We may be on opposite sides, but Im not organizing a mob.
Its simple, we have to bring up science based criteria, not in the plan. There are 150 pages of other documents, many of us have not seen. Cant win the fight alone, on the lack of science.

I would like to know, if chinook eat rockfish. Catch 22.

2. He modified the need for MPA for bottom fish, not the upper column of water. So as long as, we can still fish deep for kings. Its not a direct restriction on salmon fishing.

3. Id like to hear his opinion of downrigger balls, catching rock fish.

It remains to be seen, if the other commissioners feel the science is adequate.

He also made comments about the seal population and some comments which are on the record.

I did not testify, but I think its worth while to put up signs at the launches to reinforce catch restrictions on various species of fish, so people get out of the habit of going to the rock pile after the fishing has died off. People simply dont know the problem exists.

People need to heed TJs warning and go to the meetings and express their concerns with the plan and the time we have to review it.
If they have the same people tesitifying at four or five meetings, it will be the rest of you, who are letting our fishing rights go away.
There was a lot of repetition in the testimony. It makes no difference. Have something to say and go to a meeting. You only need a minute or so at the MIKE. You dont have to be a broadcast professional to tell them, you havent caught any rockfish in years or while you were salmon fishing. etc etc etc.


Do I need a body guard TJ?