Comment from Jack Cox, jr

Consolidation through endorsements is a bad deal. It rewards the fishermen with the highest landings and does nothing for the smaller fisherman. I was kicked out of the sea bass fishery (18a) because I didn't need a lot of fish to make a living. Just because I could average five dollars a pound on the live market, used only fifteen pots, fished three months out of the year this council said I wasn't a major player. How can this council say they are managing the resource by decisions like this? I propose catch shares any day before endorsements. When I asked this council what is the definition of a high liner? a. The one who catches the most fish, or b, The one who can make a living on fewer fish less gear, and make more money through creative markets, yes they choose b. Catch Shares would be much more fair. I hope any one effected like I was would think about it. I am trying to sell a boat and gear a large investment the council has no regard to. What percentage of US caught fish are currently through a catch share program? If you don't know the answer its time to do some homework.