Here is a Marine Science PHD and well informed insider with first hand information, standing up for what we believe in; Conservation measures backed by real,adequate and concise science.We need to sign his petition and stand behind in fighting the ban.Once and for all we need to these bans on species to come about because they are truly needed and not on the whim of a few shark fisherman hating scientist talking in the ear of the FWC.
Written by Denis Frazel
"Let me introduce myself. I am Dr. Denis Frazel, a native of Ft. Lauderdale, and 3rd generation Floridian. I am a fisherman, diver, hunter, and private boat-owner. I hold a Masters degree in Marine Biology and Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography, both from Nova Southeastern University. I was formerly a researcher at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, and was the Water Resources Manager for Broward County’s Department of Natural Resource Protection. My firm, Frazel, Inc. specializes in fisheries oceanography, fisheries research, and marine scientific technical support.
I will be representing a group of charter boat fishermen at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) meetings scheduled for Sept. 7 in Naples, FL. I will be speaking in opposition to proposed draft rule 68B-44.008 that would prohibit the recreational and commercial harvest of great, scalloped and smooth hammerhead sharks, and tiger sharks from state waters of Florida.
I intend to argue that the existing rule, that allows bag limits of no more than two fish per day, is adequate to sustain the fishery. As an alternative to outright prohibition, I will propose that FWC consider adoption of a reporting requirement for sharks (similar to the billfish reporting requirements) to get the data necessary (there is no data now) for making sound management decisions, and defer any final action until at least the November Commission meeting. I will be sending written communications regarding my requests to FWC and the Governor’s Office prior to these meetings.
The commercial guys and you recreational guys share the same concerns with regard to this issue. In addition, to my representation of these guys, I have created a pettition for all concerned citizens, which is now being circulated stating the same as above. The petition is essentally what several of you in the forum have already suggested. In my next post, I'll include the text of the petition. We cannot have enough signatures. Denis"
"Listed below is the text of a petition I have started regarding the revised shark rule:
Petition in Opposition to Draft Rule Amendment 68B-44, F.A.C. (Shark Rule) and Support for Reporting Requirements
We the undersigned are opposed to the draft rule amendment of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) shark rule 68B-44, F.A.C. that would prohibit the recreational and commercial harvest of great, scalloped and smooth hammerhead sharks, and tiger sharks from state waters of Florida. We believe the current bag limits of 1 per person or 2 per vessel, whichever is less, are adequate to sustain the fishery. We further believe that there is insufficient scientific data to demonstrate the need to close this fishery.
As an alternative to the prohibition on the harvest of these sharks, we support the deferment of rule adoption, and institution of reporting requirements (similar to that for billfish) on all harvested sharks. Such reporting will provide reliable data on the harvest of these animals in state waters of Florida, and provide a scientific basis for future management decision-making. The undersigned certify that we are at least eighteen (18) years of age and are residents of Florida.
If you are interested in circulating this petition, please email me at frazelinc@gmail.com and I'll forward the Word file and return address information. I am going to try and set up an online link to sign the petititon as well, but I have not done so as yet. I'll let you know. Also, I'll be glad to talk to anyone with questions. Send me an email. Denis
My bottomline is that fishery management decisions should be made on sound science, not emotion or personal feelings."
"You are absolutely correct about the lack of species-specific data. The large coastal species complex is a lumped. As I wrote earlier, we are proposing reporting requirements for landed fish BEFORE instituting an arbitrary prohibition. We need brief emails to the following addresses opposing this draft rule. Also listed is example text. Everyone's voice counts. We need to hurry though, the next meeting is Sept. 7
Send emails to: Commissioners@MyFWC.com
Send mail-in comments to:
Kathleen Hampton
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 620 South Meridian Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600
Example text
I am opposed to the draft rule amendment of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) shark rule 68B-44, F.A.C. that would prohibit the recreational and commercial harvest of great, scalloped and smooth hammerhead sharks, and tiger sharks from state waters of Florida. The current bag limits of 1 per person or 2 per vessel, whichever is less, are adequate to sustain the fisheery. As an alternative, I support the deferment of rule adoption, and institution of reporting requirements (similar to that for billfish) on all harvested sharks. Such reporting will provide reliable data on the harvest of these animals in state waters of Florida, and provide a scientific basis for future management decision-making."
SOUTH FLORIDA SHARK CLUB -President SFSC-Founding Member est 1983 SFSC-Website Administrator BIG HAMMER SHARK TOURNAMENT -Founder Rene Memorial Sharkathon -Founder NMFS Shark Tagger
Now we're startin to heat up the grease with some big fish to fry.
I incourage all of you to get involved if nothing else sign the dang
petition.Use the link and cut and paste that letter at the bottom and send
it to the FWC. Look we got charter boat captains which equals money
and jobs on our side. Quit saying what can we do when there in front of
you is an action you can take to change. During the revolutionary war for the
freedom of this country, of all the people who lived and callled this country thier
home. ONLY 3% actually had anything at all to do with liberating this country.
BE A 3%er. Or just let this thing fall where it may so you can bitch how the man
always wins or the eco guys always win. Well yea.... like it or not those guys are
making a stand and fighting for what they believe in. Where you standin..........
22 days to help a guy fightin for us and our rights to fish get with program young bloods we can make a difference this time
well u can be a attorney today. lol i will be sending you a email now to sign the petition.
Dfrazel i sent you an email for more info on petition Thank email me back thanks Skyzdalymit71@bellsouth.net
Anyone who lives in the Naples area should make plans to attend
and support Mr.Frazel in his efforts. Anyone who knows where they
could set up and get sportsmen to sign this petition should get there
hands on a copy of it and spend a couple hours promoting this sport
that have given so many of us so much. Especially those of you who
have yet to set the hook on a locomotive and hang on for dear life.....
I'll be in FL at that time. I will be at that meeting.
Can someone get me the address for the meeting Please thx
The Naples Grande
475 Seagate Dr
Naples, FL 34103
United States
Meeting starts at 8:30am - 5pm
i sent you an email for more info on petition.. how can i get my hands on some of these petition i can get more ppl to sign the petition
.....
Petition in Opposition to Draft Rule Amendment 68B-44, F.A.C. (Shark Rule) and Support for Reporting Requirements
We the undersigned are opposed to the draft rule amendment of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC)
shark rule 68B-44, F.A.C. that would prohibit the recreational and commercial harvest of great, scalloped and smooth hammerhead
sharks, and tiger sharks from state waters of Florida. We believe the current bag limits of 1 per person or 2 per vessel, whichever
is less, are adequate to sustain the fishery. We further believe that there is insufficient scientific data to demonstrate the need to
close this fishery.
As an alternative to the prohibition on the harvest of these sharks, we support the deferment of rule adoption, and institution
of reporting requirements (similar to that for billfish) on all harvested sharks. Such reporting will provide reliable data on the
harvest of these animals in state waters of Florida, and provide a scientific basis for future management decision-making.
The undersigned certify that we are at least eighteen (18) years of age and are residents of Florida.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Signature Address Telephone/email Date
You'll need a signature an address a phone/email and a date.
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Here is the direct link to FWC commissioners for comments. I have sent my first installment. It is quick and easy. Take 5 minutes and submit a comment.
Denis
http://myfwc.com/contact/staff-contacts ... issioners/
comment submitted
Well the panhandle is out in force on this issue.
I've posted the link to the FWC comments
and the sample statement on both major forums
here on the Gulf Coast. I also have petitions set up at
the major B&T shops and the signatures are
starting to swell. I sincerely hope this issue means
as much to you guys as does to me and my love
of the sport. I look forward to my grandson lockin
down on freight train Hammie and being able to
walk away without being fined or jailed.
I also sent in my 2 cents worth to the commisioners hope it works also I need to sign the petition let me know when & where.
Dirty South Shark Hunters
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Seawolf