Comment from Michael Sterner

I do not believe that Bluefin Tuna should be placed on the Endangered Species List. A ban on fishing for these fish would only apply within waters governed by our country. Fishing for this species WILL STILL be fished for by other countries WITHOUT regard to being protected off of our shores. Protection of Bluefin Tuna will be at a cost to other fisheries. I understand that if this passes, ALL water that is considered habitat for these fish will be off limits. ALOT of jobs unrelated to Bluefin Tuna will be affected, possibly eliminated. That would be irresponsible and a detrement to the economy off of the Atlantic Coast and still not guarenteeing protection outside of Federal waters. Until such a time as a global moratorium on Bluefin; I do not feel that this is warranted. I feel that this is a end run against fishing by "animal rights activists" disguised as enviromentalists(see Federal Ban on Lead for Hunting/Fishing). Please take everything into consideration when debating banning fishing for these beautiful fish. We would hate to see economies, and fishing in general, lost without regard to an ACTUAL & REALISTIC method of protection. Without a moritorium on fishing for Bluefin Tuna by ALL countries; we will not have TRUE protection anyway! Thank you for all of your time and consideration!