Thoughts on CCA meeting tonight on state of Calcasieu fishery

[Nickt87]

Originally Posted by fishwater

Whoever the guy that said I didn't come in here with a belt buckle on and and a cowboy hat I am not from Texas haha. He had a lot of good points

That was me, and that was my nicest way of telling that goon that I don't give 2 turds what the hell Texas does with their fishery, especially after you just stated that their creel limit decision wasn't based primarily on scientific data but partially on social premise.

Other than that statement I tried to keep most of my comments black and white and to the point for the presenters to understand and answer as well as the audience to follow. I frown upon anyone that does nothing but rant on the internet and then sit back and watch when they get in front of people that they supposedly want to hang. I understand some feel like it falls on deaf ears but if you're going to take the time to drive over and attend then go ahead and take the opportunity to put them on the hot seat. Interrogation and quarreling can be done in an educated and fair manner and still have a monumental impact.

As for the content provided I feel some of it was eye opening and some of it was redundant and part of the horse and pony show.

My biggest concern leaving the meeting was that they have black and white data and charts explaining that oyster habitat and population is rapidly decreasing and they have done slim to none to protect, conserve, and restore it. Later in the night I voiced that people are in panic because we are hearing of trout limit cuts and we are afraid it is for all the wrong reasons. What makes us think that you have the estuaries best interest in mind? You have already proven that you can't manage and maintain a species that you have concrete data on. How are we supposed to trust and support your decision on trout limits when you say that you haven't collected data on speckled trout since 2010? And that data isn't even region specific!


Overall, I did apprecitate CCA for taking the time to show and put on the meeting. Possibly, if they would have recieved questions and comments from the most concerned the meeting could have been even more informative. You never know what one question or comment can lead to.

[Reggoh]

Originally Posted by Nickt87

How are we supposed to trust and support your decision on trout limits when you say that you haven't collected data on speckled trout since 2010?

I asked about the Speckled Trout Stock Assessments data. The last guy (I think his name was Harry Blanchette?) said that they continually collect data and that they have the data but that it is only posted every 3-5 years.

I asked that question specifically because of all the talk on SC. I couldn't remember what the historical postings of this data was during the meeting so I asked if it was historically posted annually and he said no.

After the meeting I was pondering that response and it hit me that maybe it was historically posted every 3 years in the past? 2004 - 2007 - 2010... Either way if they are saying 3-5 years it should be published soon.

[Nickt87]

Originally Posted by Reggoh

I asked about the Speckled Trout Stock Assessments data. The last guy (I think his name was Harry Blanchette?) said that they continually collect data and that they have the data but that it is only posted every 3-5 years.

I asked that question specifically because of all the talk on SC. I couldn't remember what the historical postings of this data was during the meeting so I asked if it was historically posted annually and he said no.

After the meeting I was pondering that response and it hit me that maybe it was historically posted every 3 years in the past? 2004 - 2007 - 2010... Either way if they are saying 3-5 years it should be published soon.

Agreed. My second concern is the area in which the data is gathered. They are taking generally aquired data and applying it to centralized zones. I fish from the The Biloxi Marsh down to Venice and over to Big Lake every year and they are all totally different ecosystems. It is erroneous to think that wide range data is accurate for centralized zones.

[Reggoh]

Originally Posted by Nickt87

Agreed. My second concern is the area in which the data is gathered. They are taking generally aquired data and applying it to centralized zones. I fish from the The Biloxi Marsh down to Venice and over to Big Lake every year and they are all totally different ecosystems. It is erroneous to think that wide range data is accurate for centralized zones.

I was thinking quite a bit about this last night too.

LDWF obviously understands that different ecosystems should impact the management of those systems because they do this for Whitetail deer. The ecosystem on the west side of the state is totally different from the area along the Mississippi River and it is managed differently.

I think they need to explore different management regulations for the different estuaries based on the science and data from each area.

I've heard on here a number of times people comparing Sabine to Calcasieu... These are close together but they are also very different systems and probably should be managed differently.

[meaux fishing]

Originally Posted by Reggoh

I asked about the Speckled Trout Stock Assessments data. The last guy (I think his name was Harry Blanchette?) said that they continually collect data and that they have the data but that it is only posted every 3-5 years.

I asked that question specifically because of all the talk on SC. I couldn't remember what the historical postings of this data was during the meeting so I asked if it was historically posted annually and he said no.

After the meeting I was pondering that response and it hit me that maybe it was historically posted every 3 years in the past? 2004 - 2007 - 2010... Either way if they are saying 3-5 years it should be published soon.

It's Blanchet... Ive had a few discussions with him about fisheries data in the last few months and he told me they are working on getting the best data possible and hope to release it soon

[MathGeek]

Originally Posted by meaux fishing

It's Blanchet... Ive had a few discussions with him about fisheries data in the last few months and he told me they are working on getting the best data possible and hope to release it soon

Blanchet is a quality fellow, first rate biologist. I'm not sure he would fall on his sword in the face of LDWF stupidity, but he has a solid track record of good science on spotted seatrout.

[meaux fishing]

Originally Posted by MathGeek

Blanchet is a quality fellow, first rate biologist. I'm not sure he would fall on his sword in the face of LDWF stupidity, but he has a solid track record of good science on spotted seatrout.

All he can do is present the data, after that it is up to the commission to make the decisions. I have every confidence he will help compile and present to best, most accurate data possible.

[jchief]

Originally Posted by meaux fishing

All he can do is present the data, after that it is up to the commission to make the decisions. I have every confidence he will help compile and present to best, most accurate data possible.

you just bragging cause he is your uncle.

Hush..

[meaux fishing]

Originally Posted by jchief

you just bragging cause he is your uncle.

Hush..