The rebuilding time for HMS is also extended to a distant future time or ignored. Written by NMFS-HMS division these new rules propose harsh new angler rules and regulations that mirror NMFS's bluefin tuna management fiasco. In bluefin, anglers where regulated out of their traditional and historic fishery by outrageous NMFS rules. Their new rules ignore bycatch, and dead discards plus the part they had in decimating these fisheries. Scientists agree sharks, swordfish, and tunas can no longer biologically support the current level of commercial fishing.
Commercial catches exceed replacement capability of their target species, resulting in overfishing.
A position totally supported by the conservation communities who oppose these proposed plans. Where's the buyout for the charterboats, marinas, bait and tackle stores, restaurants, manufacturer's, and marine suppliers, who will be destroyed by these plans. JCAA has responded in the only way that makes sense and rejected NMFS's billfish and HMS plans and requested that they be withdrawn and rewritten. JCAA took this position because in the past NMFS has ignored most requested changes from recreationals. Amendment One to the Billfish Management Plan is totally unacceptable and should be withdrawn in its entirety.