South Atlantic Dolphin Fishery Decrease

<p>Members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council,</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this extremely important issue. My name is Captain Jon Reynolds. I have been fishing as a recreational fisherman in the waters of South Florida for the last 30 years. I have spent the last 20 years as a party boat mate, charter boat mate and captain, commercial fisherman, tournament Marlin fisherman at an international level, and the most recent 5 years as an owner/operator of my own charter fishing operation in Islamorada, FL. I have held a 100 ton Masters License for the last 15 years.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This letter is intended to address the major issues we are experiencing with the Dolphin fishery along the entire Atlantic coast (as well as the Gulf of Mexico). Dolphin fish are an extremely unique, highly sought after recreational game fish with exceptional food value. The species has provided extreme economic stability for South Florida charter boats, as well as many other businesses for years. Although there were always slight fluctuations in stocks or migratory schedules over the years, a significant and noticeable decline in the stock of Dolphin began in 2014. By 2015, there was a severe decline in the stock of Dolphin compared to what we normally see along the coasts of Florida and the Florida Keys. In 2016, the entire recreational and commercial hook and line Dolphin fishery has <strong>collapsed</strong>. In 2014, nearly 75 percent of the commercial ACL was met solely by the long line fishery in only <strong><u>two months</u></strong> (May and June), with 55 percent in May alone. As a direct result, commercial catches increased dramatically and negatively affected recreational stocks to such a degree that a drastic overage of the newly increased commercial percentage of allocation to the <strong>Total Annual Catch Limit (ACL) </strong>occurred. The current maximum commercial allocation to the Total ACL is 10%. In 2014, it was recorded at 16.6%, 6.6% over legal maximum allocation. In 2015, this pattern accelerated to an even higher degree, which then crippled both the recreational and hook and line commercial fisheries. Although actual numbers have not yet been released for 2016, fellow fishermen from ALL THREE SECTORS have contributed frightening data concerning all hook and line fishing and future sustainability of the species. The total commercial ACL numbers have had only slight fluctuations until the steady increase over last three years. <strong><u>The source of the problem is the amount of fish being removed in such a rapid manner. Long line fishing and commercial fishing without TRIP LIMITS does not leave enough breeding stock in the water to create a healthy fish stock for the present year, or the following. The fishery cannot sustain.</u></strong></p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Words cannot begin to express the importance of the Dolphin fish. It is a staple to recreational fishermen, charter fishermen (about 60-70% of the South Florida business), commercial hook and line fishermen and the massive amount of <strong>local</strong> fish markets and restaurants that depend upon this extremely high quality fresh fish for their businesses. The Dolphin fish is the number one targeted species for most recreational fishermen in South Florida and the entire Florida Keys. Reports of poor Dolphin fishing affect tourism to a very high degree. We have many customers who travel long distances, only to fish when reports of Dolphin fishing are good. People do not choose to fish in South Florida when the likelihood of catching Dolphin is low. Customers and tourists want to eat fresh, high quality fish that they caught themselves or were caught by local fisherman. There is a giant difference in the quality of hook and line caught fish compared to imported fish. Consumers and retailers both prefer hook and line caught Dolphin. Poor Dolphin stocks affect all businesses including charter fishermen, tackle shops, marine electronics dealers, rod and reel repair, boat rentals, fish markets, restaurants, hotels and resorts, airlines, gas and oil companies, boat dealers, tower builders and the list goes on and on.&nbsp; These are examples of the tremendous economic value of this species as a hook and line fishery. We also cannot forget that this species, as a recreational game fish, for family and friends to enjoy catching together is <strong>PRICELESS</strong>. We beg of the council to consider the enormous moral and <strong>unfathomable economical benefits of this species as a hook and line fishery</strong> <strong>only.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We request that the allocation of the total ACL of Dolphin remains 90/10, with the commercial ACL being largely allocated to a hook and line fishery (80% or greater devoted to hook and line). We feel this is the best management decision for the long term sustainability of the species, as well as the <strong>maximum economic value </strong>for the South Atlantic region and the United States of America as a whole. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.</p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong>Thanks,</p><p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Captain Jon Reynolds</strong></p>