Bad Science? Want a new Assessment?

[OceanBlue]

Hey guys & gals, we've been moaning for years that the data on Yelloweye and Canary is bad. Here's your chance to get a new assessment! If you would like to see the full proposal, PM me your email address and I'll forward it. PLEASE take a few minutes to write a note of support.

ODFW is seeking funding to conduct a fishery-independent rockfish survey that will provide critical data for yelloweye and canary rockfish stock assessments. As you know, these rockfish have been particularly constraining for Oregon’s recreational fisheries. The stock assessments for yelloweye and canary rockfish are hindered by a lack of data, due to both changes in regulations (non-retention) and the fact that these rockfish live in areas which are not surveyed by the National Marine Fisheries Service trawl survey (i.e., untrawlable areas). The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) conducts the only survey occurring within primary yelloweye rockfish habitat; however, it focuses on halibut habitat and omits key areas where rockfish live. We propose to expand the IPHC survey in Oregon, concentrating on yelloweye rockfish habitat, to obtain critical stock assessment data. In order to conduct the survey, we are seeking a grant from the Oregon Restoration and Enhancement Program (R&E), which is funded by surcharges on all sport fishing licenses.

I have attached a copy of the proposal for your review. We would appreciate a letter of support, if you believe the project is worthwhile. Letters can be emailed or faxed (541-867-0311) to me, but should be addressed to Mr. Bob Mullong, the chair of the R&E Board. The proposal is due on Monday, January 29th and it would be great if we could include your letters of support. We apologize for the short notice, the proposal was just finalized today.

Thank you,

Kelly Ames

Kelly L. Ames
Groundfish Management
Marine Resources Program
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
2040 SE Marine Science Drive
Newport, Oregon 97365
541-867-0300 ext. 291
541-867-0311 (fax)

[Threemuch]

Kelly's email:
Kelly.L.Ames@state.or.us

[skein]

Yes! I will definitely send a note of support. Win, lose, or draw, this is exactly what we've wanted. I am soooo heartened by the commitment and support coming from ODFW's groundfish management crew. And while we've been clammoring for something like this, it's also obvious that they, too, want to expand their knowledge of what's going on out there, as evidenced by the tagging programs and barotrauma research.

This is pretty exciting stuff!

Skein

[Threemuch]

My letter for an example (largely borrowed from the letter of Bruce Leaman, Executive Director of the IHPC)

January 29, 2007


Mr. Bob Mullong
Research and Enhancement Board Chair

Mr. Mullong,
I am writing you in order to personally support of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s efforts to cooperate with the International Pacific Halibut Commission in the collection of additional stock assessment information for groundfish, particularly rockfishes, through enhancement of the Commission’s annual longline assessment survey.

I am a long time recreational saltwater fisherman, and I have noted that although all the stock assessment data shows many rockfish species in peril, my own bycatch, and the bycatch of others which I have witnessed seems to counter this data.

The curtailment of most commercial fisheries and restriction of recreational fisheries has removed the traditional sources of stock assessment information for many groundfish species. Although the IPHC’s annual longline assessment survey can act to index some of these groundfish species, the design of the IPHC survey is oriented primarily toward estimating halibut abundance. The survey could be enhanced to provide information relevant to other species, by the addition of supplemental fishing stations oriented toward these other species. I am enthusiastic about this cooperation.

The Commission requires funds to offset the some of the costs for the additional sampling stations for groundfish, and I request that you approve this funding. Both recreational and commercial harvesters deserve accurate assessment of all stocks of interest.

Sincerely,

Kurt Bergner
Recreational Sportfisherman and Voter

SEND YOURS RIGHT NOW!

[OceanBlue]

Wow, Kurt! Thanks so much for doing what I didn't have time to do yesterday (and thanks for catching that email address thing! )

Jim, I can't tell you how happy it makes my heart to see your support. I know you were skeptical about these guys' and gals' motives once upon a time. Thanks for keeping an open mind and letting them prove their mettle.

Full proposal sent off to those who requested it. Y'all have email ;-)

[fyshndad]

Kurt I hope you don't mind but I used your letter as a guideline to send my own letter

I am excited about this too as an avid ground fish fisherman I have seen the rapid decline that took place several years ago resulting in ODFW reducing the sport catch from 25 to 15 to 10 to now 6 fish limits

It used to be I only had to go out 3 or 4 times each summer to fill the freezer for the winter but now I make 10 to 15 trips targeting just bottomfish each season

This is a good plan

[Threemuch]

Thanks Hank. Using mine as a template is just fine, that is why I posted it. I think volume of letters in support is more important than if the exact content is of Pulitzer quality or not.

[skein]

OceanBlue, I've been a believer for a loooong time now. Yes, I was skeptical at first, but as I attended meetings and stayed abreast of the happenings I realized how sincerely they were trying to obtain good research and how much commitment and effort they were putting forth. I humbly ate my words and sincerely enjoyed the meal.

We may even want to consider an appreciation day....

Skein

[Threemuch]

Hey, YOU! Yeah you, the person at the keyboard. Write your letter now or forfeit the right to cry about skinny bottomfish limits.

DO IT NOW!

[Threemuch]

Were you listening? Did you send it? DO IT NOW.

If you don't send a letter, and you fish rockfish, lingcod, OR halibut, you eat hagfish AND like it.

And YES, halibut fishing is impacted by rockfish studies.

Ask yourself, why can't I fish halibut on the Rockpile anymore? Imagine if they were to close the chicken ranch...your secret honey hole might get pretty crowded...

Take 10 minutes, copy my letter, put your name at the top and bottom, and send it to Kelly. You can use the cut and paste features, can't you? I know you are at least that smart.

[Boatdog]

Fired my letter off.

Thanks for the information.

If you don't send a letter, and you fish rockfish, lingcod, OR halibut, you eat hagfish AND like it.

ANYTHING but Hagfish.

[Taylor's viewpoint]

My letter has been sent. Thanks for jacking me up Kurt.
TV

[OceanBlue]

Originally Posted by Threemuch

If you don't send a letter, and you fish rockfish, lingcod, OR halibut, you eat hagfish AND like it.

Dude, True but funny nonetheless. I've seen hagfish live and in person and wow, you do NOT want to think about eating one of those

Thanks George, got the letter and forwarded it on to Kelly for ya. She's lovin' it!

Jen

[Threemuch]

COME ON DOGS! This deserves WAY more attention than the "goto scent for halibut!" And that thread has 3X the posts!

Eye lyke ta smeer mah bates with butt juwce and kod gutz and shad slym, and ifun ya doanot due it, ya won't katch nuttin' and yer stoopid ta boot.

Everyone knows you don't need no stinkin' scent for halibut. But you need a good rockfish stock assessment.

SEND IT RIGHT NOW!

[OceanBlue]

oooh, Kurt, I feel so alienated! (where's the little graemlin that falls on his bottom and rolls around the screen holding his belly?!)

Man, if I could stop laughing long enough, I might get that letter finished!:blush:

[skein]

Okay, mine has been sent.... or should I say, my copy of Kurt's excellent letter has been sent.

So now I have a question. Will multiple copies of the same letter tend to reduce the effectiveness of our voices? I doubt that I could say it any better than Kurt did, but would putting it in my own words and resending it be a good idea?

Skein

[Threemuch]

I doubt it, Jim. More letters=more support. Content of the letters probably means little. Public support is all about volume.

[Pilar]

Kurt .. you're persistent bro and so right as usual.

I'll draft one and send it. Got any more tips about halibut fishing>?

January 29, 2007


Mr. Bob Mullong
Research and Enhancement Board Chair

Mr. Mullong,
It is with great pleasure that I see this proposal to spend R & E money on rockfish stock assessments and I whole-heartedly support it. Since the rockfish conservation efforts started the consistent problem has been accurate and detailed assessments of populations. This fact is acknowledged by all parties involved.

YE and canary rockfish live on high relief habitat and information on their stocks is lacking. I've heard it said that counting rockfish is like counting trees in the dark with the exception that the trees are moving around. Anything that can fill the gap left by cessation of commercial fishing and the information generated thereby is going to help us understand the true state of these fish. Using an existing and proven method for stock assessment and changing it to count rockfish as well just makes good sense.

I am not alone in my skepticism regarding the extreme state of these stocks that is extrapolated from minimal information. Many of the users of the ocean that bycatch these species are skeptical of the scant information that fishing regulations, optimal yield and quotas are based on. Having more detailed information on the health of the restricted rockfish stocks is essential to getting more buy-in from the user groups involved. In some now closed areas I personally have encountered numbers of these fish that defy the purported depletion of these stocks. I no longer fish in areas where I am likely to catch these fish since almost all encounters are fatal for the fish. Although managing the fishery conservatively is the best way to fail, more information is essential to obtain realistic management. Fishing areas are being closed. Quotas are lowered annually. If this trend continues recreational fishing will be severely impacted.

Please approve the proposal that allows ODFW and IPHC to work together on stock assessments of critical rockfish species. We can do this and it will make a difference.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Regards,
John Wells, avid saltwater sportsman.

[HOGGEMIN]

Letter has been sent No stinking hag fish for this fisherman........

[Boatdog]

Here's the letter that I sent. Feel free to copy and tweak it.

January 26, 2007

Mr. Bob Mullong,
Research and Enhancement Board Chair

Mr. Mullong,
I am writing you to show my support for a grant from the Oregon Restoration and Enhancement Program (R&E), in support of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s efforts to cooperate with the International Pacific Halibut Commission in the collection of additional stock assessment information for groundfish, particularly rockfish, concentrating on yelloweye rockfish habitat, to obtain critical stock assessment data.

Because the Commission requires funds to offset the some of the costs for the additional sampling for groundfish, I request that you approve this funding. Both recreational and commercial harvesters deserve accurate assessment of all stocks of interest.

Sincerely,

-my name-
Gresham, Oregon
Recreational Sportfisherman and Voter
46-Year Oregon Resident

[pnwcoast]

My letter has been sent. This sounds like a good news story to me.

[OceanBlue]

Another version of Kurt's beautifully crafted letter:

January 26, 2007

Mr. Bob Mullong
Research and Enhancement Board Chair

Mr. Mullong,

I am an avid saltwater angler. I am concerned that many of the traditional sources of stock assessment information for many groundfish species have been eliminated. I believe that the IPHC’s annual longline assessment survey can be enhanced to provide information relevant to groundfish by the addition of supplemental fishing stations oriented toward these other species. I am excited about this possibility as it appears to be a very efficient way to fill the gap left by the traditional sources of information about these important and constraining species.

The Commission requires funds to offset the some of the costs for the additional sampling stations for groundfish. Accurate assessment of our fisheries is important not only to sport and commerical interests but to Oregon’s economy as a whole.

I urge you to support the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s efforts to perform an additional stock assessment of groundfish, particularly rockfishes, through enhancement of the Commission’s annual longline assessment survey.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Johnston
Saltwater Angling, Fishing License Buying, Tax-Paying Voter
Member, Sport Advisory Committee
Secretary, Oregon Coalition for Educating Anglers (www.OceanEd.org)
<Address>
<Email>
<Phone number>

[Jon55]

I sent mine!

[Slow Roll]

Ok, it is off and got a thank you back from Kelly in less than a minute.

[ron m]

Check out the R & E website. I think the rockfish survey fists right in with their goals. I hope I wasn't too blunt in my letter!

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/RE/

My letter follows.
Jan 26, 2007

Mr. Bob Mullong
Research and Enhancement Board Chair

Mr. Mullong,

Your support of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s rockfish survey is critical. These stock assessments affect both recreational angling and commercial fishing, and hence are important for fisheries management and for Oregon’s coastal economy. Restoration of critical rockfish stocks first requires accurate data and currently stock assessments are hindered by a lack of data.

Below are two quotes from the ODFW Restoration and Enhancement Program website. Also note the logo says “Protecting Oregon’s Investment”. I used the italics to draw attention to specific passages.

The enhancement program focuses on projects to increase fish production (either hatchery or natural production), increase recreational or commercial opportunities or access to the fish resources, or improve fish management capabilities.

The R&E Board also has an interest in supporting Grassroots fishermen organizations such as STEP, creating New Fishing Opportunities, and, in addition to supporting Salmonid Fisheries, supporting Diversified Species Fisheries (including those in saltwater, warm water, and lakes). Projects throughout the state in both urban and rural areas will be considered.

The rockfish survey clearly qualifies for funding by the Oregon Restoration and Enhancement Program. I urge you and the R&E Board to support the request for funding of the rockfish survey.

Ron Mason
Concerned Voter and saltwater fisherman

[Woody]

Done

[ron m]

From the website, it looks like the rockfish assessment proposal for funding will be considered April 6 at the meeting in Troutdale and if approved, presented to the commission at their meeting on June 8.

[blubeast]

letter sent... thanks Kurt for 'encouraging' us to write.

[Sling Blade]

Mine has been sent.

[puffins crew]

Thanks for the heads up.

Sent mine this evening.

Peace, Tom

[OceanBlue]

Hey y'all, Kelly says she can still carry letters with her to the meeting, so if you haven't written, it's not to late. Send 'em on to her.

[Threemuch]

Jen-
Tell Kelly we want to know how it went. If she gets turned down, I want to start making phone calls.

[OceanBlue]

You bet Kurt. I can tell you she's pretty pumped about this. You all responded in great Ifish style! She mentioned that she did get quite a few letters.

Lookin' good guys! Let's make sure she's more than armed. I don't see how R&E can turn it down.

[OceanBlue]

Thanks to everyone who wrote letters and supported this effort! Your time really paid off!

Thanks to Ed and Linda for representing all of us at the meeting!

This from Kelly Ames who headed up the proposal (posting at her request):

Hi,
On Friday, I presented our proposal for an ODFW/IPHC rockfish survey to the R&E Board. Ed Keene, president of the Oregon Coalition for Educating Anglers, and Linda Buell, owner/operator of a charter boat in Garibaldi, testified in support of the proposal. The presentation and testimony was very well received. Laura Tesler, the grant coordinator, notified me that our proposal was approved and will be forwarded to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission for consideration at their June 8th meeting. Generally the Commission approves the recommendations of the R&E Board, so things are looking good! I will keep you posted.

Thanks again for your support!

Kelly Ames
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Groundfish Management