Sportfisherman haven't been able to galvanize too well around much, so I'm not sure why I think this would be different. We've been taking a slow-motion beatdown for ages. We might just peter out with a whimper.
True dat!
We have over 5000 sportsmen who have galvanized around the lack of transparency issue, and probably a hell of a lot more who are following the issue. It's not having sportsmen come together and support something that's the problem. WHAT'S THE PROBLEM IS MOST WANT SOMEONE ELSE TO DO ALL THE WORK TO FIX THE PROBLEMS!!
Sorry Bay wolf, I wasn't trying to diminish the incredible effort you've put into this (and also all the great work Twin Harbors has done). You have my full support AND participation.
I am just moaning about the historical lack of participation of sportsmen in the process. Too often in the past I've been shocked and disappointed by the apathy of license holders, so perhaps I'm trying to manage my own expectations about the future.
That, added to the general feeling by those who have participated that their engagement hasn't made a damn bit of difference. Heard this from a former sportfishing advisor the other day.
I've always asked, "what would it take to REALLY get people involved?" The numbers for effecting real change do exist (license holders). Perhaps it would take a total closure for that to happen. I would seriously hope that if there were a total closure PLUS the tribes still fish, people would finally speak up.
But lets hope it doesn't get to that point!
Side note...people who "just talk" are way more valuable than we think. Thinking about the issues and participating in discussion IS engagement. Even if they never send a letter to the governor or go to a meeting or a protest, we need people out there thinking about the issues, talking with others.
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