Comment from Brian Thornton, Recreational

First off I am a recreational fisherman from Florida and this is a complex issue with many variables. Let me start off by saying that I feel that putting more restrictions on grouper/snapper fisheries would even further erode an already weakened Florida economy. Many tax dollars are brought in by recreational fisherman from the gas they buy, the hotels they stay in to the local dive/ tackle/ and for hire vessels they support and much more. Reducing bag limits for these people makes a trip out for the day for an average person out of reach to only come home with a maximum of 3 grouper at best. More damage is done to the fish stocks by commercial fleet and yet it brings in less money by far to the states economy. Realizing that there is more to commercial fishing than just the fleet itself such as the restaurants, seafood houses and many other professions. But we cannot stand by and allow these commercial fleets destroy OUR fish stocks an the stocks of our children. I am not here to say that recreational fisherman do not share part the blame for the problem at hand but hasn't the recreational sector already given most of its share up? Let me finish by saying that a reduction in commercial quota in my mind would not be the end of an age old tradition but maybe that of a new tradition a more predominant sport fishing tradition. Respectfully Thank You