Quote:
Originally Posted by Rusty
If they want to research the fish population, they should be swimming in the water counting the fish. Its not my job to report how many fish are in the ocean based on how much I catch, nor is most of yours. Until we are getting paid to do their research for them I will continue to ignore their existence when they drill me for information.
I hope I don't get abducted  |
You're right, it's not your job.
And for that matter fisheries biology is not an easy job.
Information from the general public is only one aspect of how data is gathered.
Remember that as fishermen we are the only ones that see what is really going on with our local fisheries which makes the data we can provide very valuable.
Once again, if you don't contribute, don't complain. For that matter you shouldn't bother reading anything scientific about fisheries or fish behavior.
It is important that we understand that recording your catch has been an important part of fisheries data collection for years. Recreational catch is an important component to understanding fluctuations in the marine ecosystem. It has led to lots of important fisheries managment practices. You're all benefiting from a lot of hard work done by people who have devoted their lives to study the things they love. Fisheries biologists are low payed but passionate people. Most like to catch, kill, and eat fish. Its not too much to ask to try and make their jobs a little bit easier is it?
Reporting your catch can be extremely helpful and benefit fish, fisheries, and in turn, fishermen.
Do you want GOOD data or BAD data.
In the end, do what makes you feel good. Thats all that matters.
Everyone has made good points here. None of my statements are meant to be personal. It's just that I feel strongly about this topic and I think that it is often misunderstood.
Extremest environmentalists successfully swayed Ca to enact the MLPA while simultaneously discrediting fishermen and painting fisheries biology as the enemy.
-Owyn