Comment from Midcoast Fishermen's Association on XM11

February 25, 2009 Mark Grant, Sector Policy Analyst NMFS Northeast Region 55 Great Republic Drive Gloucester, MA 01930 RE: Midcoast Fishermen’s Association (MFA) and Island Institute’s Comments on the FY2009 GB Cod Hook Sector Proposed Rule (RIN 0648-XM11) Dear Mark, We, the MFA and the Island Institute are writing to urge the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to approve the FY2009 Operations Plan and Agreement for the GB Cod Hook Sector. They have worked hard to establish their own Fixed Gear Sector. Both Sectors have provided valuable models and demonstrated the great benefits of community-based fisheries management. Working under annual hard total allowable catches (TACs) and with expanded accountability and reporting, Sectors members will be able to harvest healthy fish stocks while reducing mortality of those stocks that are at-risk. For these reasons we strongly encourage the Agency to approve the Hook Sector Operation Plan. This will be another step to strengthen community-based fisheries management, which we believe is critical to solving the problems currently facing our fish stocks and fishing businesses. Sincerely, Glen Libby Jennifer Litteral Chairman, MFA Director of Marine Programs, Island Institute