Comment from Paul Ramey

My comments relate specifically to the Black Sea Bass provisions. While the decrease in bag limit is a step in the right direction to hopefully allow the season to remain open year-round, I don't believe it appropriately addresses the problem. I would suggest that the bag limit be decreased from 15 per person to 10, rather than the proposed 5. Additonally, the size limit would more appropriately be increased from 12 inches to possibly 13 inches. If this were done, only larger Sea Bass that haved definitely morphed from female to male would be kept and this would assist in replenishing the stock. Sea Bass that are now harvested and which measure in the 12 to 13 inch range have much less edible meat on them than fish over 13 inches. To set the bag limit at 10 and the minimum size limit to 13 inhes would do more to help the replenishment of the species year round and would definitely promote an increased economic benefit to the State(s) by encouraging monies to be spent on fishing for the species, thereby helping the local coastal areas. I am a recreational fisherman that belongs to two local fishing clubs in the Charleston area. I fish an average of twice a week during the warmer months and about once per week otherwise. Some of my most memorable trips involve taking my two grandkids out to the nearshore reefs fishing for Black Sea Bass. I am in favor of amending the regs in just about any manner which would provide for a year-long open season. I do believe my suggestions are more appropriate than those proposed. I would be willing to participate in any studies or experiments that would assist in gathering information so desperately needed to more accurately reflect the true nature of the statistics used going forward, and which everyone is aware are so unreliable at present.