The more I read into the penniped portion of the proposal it makes zero sense why population control isn't addressed or why these numbers of seals are acceptable. I am sure no one, but us (concerned), wants to address the issue for fear of the hatchet. Anyone planning on asking the question during the (non recorded - how convenient) Q&A portion of the meeting tomorrow night?

What are the plans, timelines, goals for ghost net removal?

One issue that caught my eye in reviewing the Sound's MPAs is divers that frequently utilize these areas. Of particular interest are the smaller MPAs. Who's patrolling the divers? What or who is to say these areas are not being poached? What evidence is there of damage or stressors to habitat by frequently dropping or dragging an anchor around or even the divers themselves being in the area?

One thing I have noticed over the last few years is the lack of year around herring in the Gibson, Toliva, Ketron, Fox Point and Point Fosdick areas. Coupling this lack of herring with the amount of pinnipeds in the area makes me wonder if a diet shift to rockfish hasn't already begun.

I have had a steady diet of this draft plan for a few days and I still don't fully understand it. It is complex and I have a sneaky suspicion the plan is aimed more towards other species than rockfish. Like I mentioned earlier, I haven't caught a incidental rockfish in years in the South Sound- probably late 70s early 80's. These dates roughly coincide with the last time the draggers came though. If Mother Nature hasn't fixed it in the last 30-years how is a rockfish recovery area in the South Sound going to be the "heal all?"

We'll see you tomorrow night!