DFW Lobster FMP meeting Aug 15th

[Saba Slayer]

This is an update and an outreach to inform as many of the approximately 37,000 lobster report card holders about some proposed changes to the lobster regulations. (This is my individual viewpoint and does not reflect the opinion of the other LAC chairs)
Representing the recreational interests, Al Stasukevich (hooper), Michael Gould (diver), and myself (hooper), along with alternate Paul Romanowski (diver), have been meeting with the DFW, Commercial Lobstermen and the other chairs from the Lobster Advisory Committee since June 20, 2012.
As a conservation measure, DFW has asked the recreational and commercial chairs to find ways to reduce our effort.
The commercial guys are working on setting up trap limits with the DFW. The recreational side, along with the DFW, has proposed establishing a seasonal limit. The DFW maintains that a seasonal limit will reduce commercialization of the recreational fishery and share opportunities with other recreational fishermen. 70 is the number being discussed although there are some, (Al and I), that think the number should be higher and yet others that think it should be lower.
For a little background, based on the report card returns from 2008 through 2012 of 29,731 cards, 1.7% reported an annual catch of 71+ lobsters and 0.7% reported 98+ lobsters. Based on this information, with approximately 37,000 report cards sold last year, about 630 people could be affected by this seasonal limit if it’s set at 70.
Now is your time to speak up if this information is important to you. Our next meeting is on August 15th at 8:00AM at the DFW office in Los Alamitos at, 4665 Lampson Ave. 90720. The public is welcome and you will have time to speak. There have been quite a few commercial fishermen in attendance the last two meetings.
A few other lesser issues are also being discussed. Among them is the possible adjustment of the recreational opener to a 6:00PM time rather than midnight, to address safety concerns, reduce confusion and aid DFW enforcement.
Mechanized (power driven) pullers will probably be allowed only to people in possession of proof of disability. Hand operated davits or single pulley systems will be allowed.
There is a possible change to allow spear fishermen to carry pole spears and spear guns while in pursuit of lobsters.
If the commission approves these or any other changes after they are presented to them, it may not be until the 2016-17 season that these new regulations would go into effect.
If you can't make the meeting and you have some input please email me at jsalazarhoop@gmail.com
Thanks
Jim / Saba Slayer