More is Needed or Amendment 10 Inadequate

Anglers remain steadfast in objecting to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s (SAFMC) approval of Amendment 10 as written. The amendment is now with the Secretary of Commerce for final approval is yet to be approved. Anglers and charter captains insist more is needed to ensure the two species will remain available for sportfishing, which are the backbone of the fishery. If the amendment isn’t modified to reduce the daily recreational bag and vessel limits (from 54 fish) and no approval of a commercial landing limit is included, many fear the stocks will collapse in a few years. TBF supports the position calling for the Secretary to review the SAFMC decision and send the Draft Amendment back to the FMC for further review and action.

The current excessive rate of shark depredation of angler-hooked fish is also adding to the mahi-mahi and wahoo threats.