Commercial Fluke Quota

[Billfish715]

Gerry, This struggle to help save the summer flounder (and the related livelihoods it supports) has consumed us all in one way or another. The letter-writing campaigns, rallies, meetings, fund raisers are hopefully chipping away at the iceberg that stands in our way. There are still people who don't donate or attend or write but from the discussions on this board, those people are starting to "talk" or talk more. It's how the message gets around and sooner or later, enough of that "talk" will find its way to the ears of the decision makers.

They are, after all, just people who make decisions. They ultimately have to be persuaded to see our side with a more favorable eye. The voting members have no polls on which to fall back to help them with their decisions. Their position on the board/committee is an appointment and is not an elected post. There is nothing hanging over heads that would cause them any fear of being replaced. It doesn't mean the effort should end, but pressure on them to think independently and based on data is where more focus has to be placed. One by one they have to see how unsuccessful their regulations have been in restoring the stocks. Once they can make that concession, things will start looking up for us.