The Fisherman Magazine's Jim Hutchinson

[Broad Bill]

Jim's a smart guy, very informed, does his research and is committed. Unfortunately he's up against the same bureaucratic corrupt system and politicians any one else who has gone to battle with the Department of Commerce, NOAA, NMFS, ASMFC and MAFMC have. These combined organizations have caused enormous problems for stocks causing long term issues which won't be solved in the short term and certainly before an entirely new philosophy of fisheries management is adopted. Both fluke and striped bass have been harmed by decisions or lack thereof causing recruitment levels for both stocks to fall off the cliff. Protecting recruitment, including environmental issues with bass, protecting the spawning stock and controlling commercial catch and waste is the answer to every failed or failing fishery. It really isn't rocket science, it's common sense but common sense unfortunately takes a very back seat to the $250 BILLION industry in this Country which has become yet again another slush fund involving a public resource lining politicians, state and federal governments and business's bank accounts.