First Name | Richard |
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Last Name | Robinson |
Email Address | Non-web submitted comment |
Affiliation | |
Subject | Pollock Fishing Rules |
Comment | First Name: Richard Last Name: Robinson EMail Address: RbnsnBkpkr@sbcglobal.net Phone Number: Affiliation: Subject: Pollock fishing rules Comment: It has come to my attention that the eastern Bering Sea pollock stock appears to have declined 50% since last year. This is particularly alarming due to the vital role that pollock plays in the Bering Sea ecosystem, as a food source for depleted fur seals and endangered Steller sea lions. When you meet in December, I urge you to set a catch limit that will reverse the decline of pollock stocks and provide for the needs for all species that depend on pollock as their prey. Rebuilding pollock stocks will serve the long term interests of Alaska's fishing industry and coastal communities. I also urge you to suspend the roe fishery. With pollock stocks in trouble, it makes no sense to deliberately take tons of pregnant females before they release their eggs. In general, a more precautionary, ecosystem-based approach is needed to prevent declines of this nature. Marine reserves are a valuable tool to enable degraded habitats to recover, and to rebuild fish populations. They can also serve as experimental controls which help increase understanding of the impacts of climate change. Decisive action is needed now to prevent one of the largest fisheries collapses in history, with far reaching ecological and economic implications. |
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Date and Time Comment Was Submitted | 2008-12-20 11:23:22 |
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