Bushbear -
I agree that the NOF will indeed be an interesting event and potentially for the recreational angler as important as any since 2007.

And you are correct the task that folks have to wrestle with how best use the limited allowable impacts on listed fish to produce/maximize desired fishing opportunities. The difficulty of that task is compounded by the fact we all have different priorities on where we want to fish. If we as a group want to maximize the numbers of fish we kill we would use those impacts only in extreme terminal areas (rivers and near-river bays) where the fishing would be limited by only to local stocks. However collectively we have a desire to fish outside of those terminal areas where the fishing will be on complex mixed stocks.

Those mixed stocked fisheries will always be limited by the weakest stock's allowable impacts. Which means that by opting to fish those mixed stock areas the recreational community is in effect agreeing to leave harvest fish on the table. We given up catching maximum numbers of fish harvest for the type of opportunities we enjoy and often the kind of opportunities that have the greatest economic value to the local and State economies. Always a difficult balancing act that will almost assuredly leaving many dis-satisfied or shaking their heads.

With the importance of the next few months in shaping our fisheries I encourage folks to get involved in the North of Falcon (NOF) process. I understand that most folks just can invest that time needed but that should not preclude them from contacting one or more of the PS advisors with their concerns or ideas. The are also a number of clubs/organizations that are options for getting involved.

Curt