Comment from Brett Hearne

DearNMFS, I own the trawler Last Straw and have been cutting, freezing and glazing ground fish at sea legally during 2010. Under proposed rule 2011-2012Biennial Specifications and Management measures:Amendment16-5:and Amendment 23, Processing at sea will no longer be permitted. My family and I reconstructed our vessel in 2008 and making it vastly larger, more stable, and efficient for freezing. In 2009 we added a back storage tank with low temperature storage for finished product, shelter decks. plate freezers, glazing chiller etc. By spring 2010 after capitalizing, engineering and trials, we perfected our process and are extremely proud of our product. Not an overnight sensation but at least a value added product that fits the system. Also we have kept one more "family wage" earner on our payroll this year. I am requesting a permit or exception to your proposed rule , allowing my vessel and family to continue processing groundfish at sea. Under Trawl Rationalization this enables us to continue trawling which will probably still be mixed species. We have both frozen at sea fish and iced fish whenever we deliver to our at-sea processor. Overall this consistent with the Trawl Rationalization ITQ system as promoted to trawlers for the last seven or so years. Thank you for your consideration . This is very important to us. Sincerely Brett Hearne