Comment from Captain Geoffrey Owens

I am not in support of a catch share system for large and small coastal sharks because it will exclude fisherman that hold permits but have not fished for sharks because they were involved in other fisheries such as snapper grouper or king mackerel.Since the new MSA standards have been implemented in 2008 has created less fishing opportunity for one paticular fishery.Now with endorsements in tilefish and sea-bass fisheries other fishing opportunities are becoming quite limited. Also with shark rebuilding plans and stock asessments showing upward trends this will create openings in sandbar and other quota increases being able to support new entrants. In addition if a catch-share plan is approved the control date should be changed to allow new entrants to compile a catch history. Sincerely, Captain Geoffrey Owens