Thread: What the new regulations will mean to pier fishers...

I am with you 100% on this David.
Reef fishing is not shore or pier fishing.
Sending you a PM.

Originally Posted by Pier#r

I understand the cost of the "Reef fish Endorsement" will be $10 per year.
I am NOT going to buy one, and next year plan to approach the Conservation Advisory Board in an attempt to get a 'from shore' and/or 'inshore' exemption for landing "reef fish" such as grey ("mangrove") snapper.

Thank you sandflea!
While I support and defend the programs of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Marine Resources Division (and the great people in that Department), I firmly believe they are wrong in forcing this "Reef Fishing Endorsement" on the inshore and from-shore fishing communities.
I am stating my case so that others, like you, may make an informed decision for themselves how they wish to proceed.
If someone disagrees, that is fine. But I would like to hear their reasoning...

This is NOT about the fee! ($10 per year)
For me, the idea of being counted in with the gulf charter boats and private vessels that exclusively seek gulf reef fish, not only discounts my voice, but dilutes the economic importance of the inshore and from-shore fishing communities as a whole.
We are a year-round fishery, comprised of people from all over this state and country (and even Canada if you include Dale ;-)
Our focus in the fishery is diverse, yet entirely separated from the near-shore & off shore efforts this initiative was intended for.
In the late summer/early fall grey (mangrove) snapper have historically been a part of the 'target' fishery for the from-shore (and inshore) fishing communities for as long as I can remember.
So we should be counted separately!

"They" will tell you there would not be lost and confused reef fish journeying to the inshore or piers without reef preservation, so you must pay to consume the resource. I agree with you that the connection is too remote and indirect to justify the (admittedly small) price. "They" will also say thay if seasons and length regulations apply all the time for all fish, so must licenses. Enforcement will be complicated otherwise, like the issue of federal versus state waters with different regulations. I see that for inshore boaters, but it hardly applies to shore fishing.