GOM offshore "Permit"

[Terry England]

Originally Posted by kmoose

This is a good thing and will do a much better...... not perfect, but better job of estimating rec catch.

Kenny, Did you get to Perry?
It looks like the FWC has funding for the program through a grant (5 million) that would allow it to be a "no cost" permit for 5 years. If they cancelled the phone call contract which is, in my opinion worthless, that is about a million dollars a year then that would cover the expense. I suggested, along with several others that they refer to it as an "Offshore Registration", because another "license" or "permit" would be a tuff sell, I believe. I think it would be almost like a "Snook Stamp" or something. You would have to have this stamp if you were in possession of their designated "Reef Fish Species" in addition to your Florida fishing license. At this point they are thinking that even if you are over 65 and not required to have a fishing license, you would be required to have an "Offshore Stamp", (once again they move the Goal Posts on Conner and I, the scallawags!)

I agree that it would be a step in the right direction of obtaining more accurate data from a focused stakeholder pool and not using data that includes some guy with a cane pole who claims to be catching hogfish and red snapper off the pier! (WTF)

OK, I got to go suit up in Tyvek and spool up the grinder or I'll never get the B-25 done. Next weekend though Conner, Trader Ter and I are scouting around Upper Captiva and Cabbage Key for a possible November West Coast Gathering site option.