Sad Fishing Story........MUST WATCH

[Megabyte]

Over-fishing is a global problem.
All over the world fish stocks are crashing due to over harvesting.

Right here, in the Virginia waters of the Chesapeake, Omega Protein routinely decimates the fish population with purse seine nets - a practice that is (thankfully) illegal in the Maryland waters of the Bay.

Once the Omega factory boats enter an area and take their harvest, you will see little to nothing on your fish finder for miles around.
They say they are harvesting menhaden, but we know that they are also taking rock, blues, specs, perch, spot, croaker, and who knows what else.

Anything other than menhaden is considered "bycatch", and is not reportable in their landing reports.
So... for every ton of menhaden landed, you have to wonder how many tons of bycatch they bring in.

 

[Floatsum]

I was a (New England) Commercial Dragger Fisherman when the 200 mile limit was imposed.
For me it was a wake up call for the efficiency (lack of) & effectiveness of all governmental B.S.
Since the saving grace of the 200 mile limit;
Yellowtail flounder - all but gone
whitting - still fishing 6" babies
Butterfish - a rare by catch
Weakfish - starting a modest comeback(?)
Cod - just plain ugly
fluke - still commercially over fished with blessings
Blackbacks - near extinct
Lobsters - down to minimal catches
Smelt - GONE
Squid - rapid decline


I'm convinced the gov't is only concerned with,,, can we tax it?
And pass it off as conservation / enforcement.

It's really sick.
Unfortunately, I feel it is doomed. Plain and simple.
Too many private interest politicians that are obligated to political favors.
I see no way this can / will change,,, probably ever.
Not enough of "the right people" care.