We're all pushed to the brink with government restrictions, mandates and bad regulatory decisions and practices. We complain about inaccurate data, for that reason I'm not sure it's fair to place blame on people trying to address that through research. Researchers aren't the ultimate decision makers and how or if their findings are used is outside their control. When government is involved, it's my experience to approach everything with a large degree of skepticism as most on this thread have eluded to because normally when they ask you to look left, you should be looking right.

That said, keep in mind the "Summe Flounder Sex and Length" study conducted in 2016 by Rutgers. They're findings were fact based and spot on regarding the ultimate problem this fishery is experiencing and in fact contradicts the management philosophy NMFS in employing with continued increases in size limits. They can only do the research, NMFS will determine if their findings are ultimately factored into future legislation. In my opinion, that's where MSA and politics in general have lead this fishery entirely down the wrong path.

In the end, Rutgers study might be the pivotal research that finally gives us the slot limit we've been asking for. I say that with guarded optimism but believe we'll see it within the next 2 - 3 years but if we don't it's not the fault of the people who put the time and effort in conducting the research.