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Washington, DC - The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) today denied a petition from the Offshore Resources Management Corporation (ORMC) to permanently authorize pelagic pair trawling as an accepted gear type. The NMFS evaluated all relevant information including public comment, and determined that authorizing the use of pair trawls for Atlantic tuna and other pelagic species would be inconsistent with the agency's conservation and management goals.
The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) called for the end of the "experiment" with pair trawling, and assembled a broad-based national coalition composed of two U.S. Senators, seven U.S. Representatives, and nearly forty fishing clubs, conservation groups, and marine related businesses. "The RFA wants to thank our coalition partners: the IGFA, NMMA, ASA, NCMC, The Fisherman Magazine, Maryland Saltwater Sportfishing Association, Jersey Coast Anglers Association, NJ MTA, RI MTA, The Fisheries Defense Fund, The Thousand Fathom Club, NY Sportflshing Associaztion, National Fishing Association, Greater Point Pleasant Charter Boat Association, the Yamaha Miami Billfish Tournament, The Big Game Fishing Journal, CCA-VA, Cape May Party and Charter Boat Association, General Category Tuna Association. Forked River Tuna Club, Shimano America Corporation, The Reel Seat Tackle Shop, AFTCO, Lowrance Electronics, Flambeau Products, B.A.S.S. Inc., Gudebrod, Normark, Penn Fishing Tackle, NJ Federation of Sportsmen, NE Mako Owners, Jersey Coast Shark Anglers, Manasquan Marlin and Tuna Club, Manasquan Fishing Club, United Boatmen of NY and NJ, Saltwater Anglers of Bergen County, Greg Venturo's Offshore Technologies. These groups and businesses deserve credit for taking a leadership role for conservation, and for representing their members and customers, said Executive Directory James A. Donofiio."
The RFA is especially thankful for the support of U.S. Senator Bill Bradley. U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg, U.S. Representative Jim Saxton, U.S. Representative Bob Tomcelli, U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, U.S. Representative Rod Frelinghuysen, U.S. Representative Rob Andrews, U.S. Representative Christopher Smith, U.S. Representative Robert Menendez. "These elected officials have earned the appreciation of saltwater anglers and conservation minded people across the country, said Donofrio."
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