Take heed...the Commission is far away our best hope to somehow turn this mess around. Those Managers entrusted to act on their (and our) behalf, as well as everyone's best interests, have failed tragically. When this all comes to a climax, the devil will be in the details--a good many of which are already hidden behind a veil of secrecy and cloaked by devious deception. Make no mistake...this whole mess deserves to and has landed squarely on Jim Unsworth's and his Fisheries Manager's desks. This is his quandary until he saves Puget Sound Recreational fishing--or yields, steps aside...and hands the crisis to someone else.
I have some serious concerns. They culminated when I listened to the audio tape of the Commission's special meeting yesterday. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Jim Unsworth was included during the roll call of all those actively listening in and prepped to participate. From that point forward, he never spoke a word.
I'm baffled by how that could take place. Why didn't he plea mea culpa, pick up the reins and contact NOAA to explain what actually transpired, request an extension or review of the Puget Sound Management Plan or even graciously offer to fall on his sword?
The nine Commissioners now saddled with untangling this mess are well qualified and resolved to deal with what must transpire at this point. Give them the support they need. If they were not in place to do just that---this nightmare would already be reality.