Please read below.....this is a HUGE deal and if anyone has ANY interest in this topic, please attend the meeting on March 19th.....you can rest assured I will be there, but I cannot speak for everyone so please make a point to attend if at all possible. If you cannot attend, there are instructions in the notice on how to make sure your voice is still heard. This is a DIRECT threat on our sport!




NOAA PROPOSES RULE PROHIBITING SPEARFISHING GEAR

IN GRAY’S REEF NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY

Public meeting March 19, 6-8:00 p.m., Wetlands Center, Richmond Hill, GA

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is proposing a rule to prohibit all spearfishing gear in Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. NOAA is soliciting public comment until May 4, 2009. A public meeting will be held on March 19, to receive comments on the proposed rule and the draft environmental assessment that accompanies the proposed rule. The meeting will be held at the John W. Stevens Wetlands Education Center, J.F. Gregory Park, Richmond Hill, Georgia, from 6-8:00 p.m.

Comments may also be submitted electronically to www.regulations.gov
(search for docket # NOAA–NOS–2009–0002), or by mail to Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, 10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 31411, Attn: Dr. George Sedberry, Superintendent.

For copies of the proposed rule, draft environmental assessment and the Federal Register notice, go to http://graysreef.noaa.gov, or contact Resource Protection Coordinator Becky Shortland (912-598-2381; becky.shortland@noaa.gov).

Spearfishing is often used to selectively target larger fish, and can significantly reduce abundance and alter the relative size structure of target species toward smaller fish. The proposed prohibition would provide protection to the fishes and natural live-bottom community for which the sanctuary was designated. The proposal also would facilitate enforcement of an existing prohibition against the use of powerheads within the sanctuary.

Designated in 1981, the sanctuary is one of the largest near shore live-bottom reefs off the southeastern United States, encompassing approximately 23 square miles. The Gray’s Reef sanctuary consists of a series of sandstone outcroppings and ledges up to ten feet in height, in a predominantly sandy, flat-bottomed sea floor. The live bottom and ledge habitat support an abundant reef fish and invertebrate community. Loggerhead sea turtles, a threatened species, also use Gray’s Reef year-round for foraging and resting, and highly endangered Northern right whales are occasionally seen in the sanctuary.

The NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, which manages the Gray’s Reef sanctuary, seeks to increase the public awareness of America’s marine resources and maritime heritage by conducting scientific research, monitoring, exploration and educational programs. Today, the sanctuary program manages 13 national marine sanctuaries and one marine national monument that together encompass more than 150,000 square miles of America’s ocean and Great Lakes natural and cultural resources.

NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Visit http://www.noaa.gov.

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www.blacksheepdivers.com

This is a VERY important meeting if anyone wants to continue to dive here. Please send your views on this issue to our Sport diving rep ASAP! Also send a copy to me, as I have tracked the actions of our rep for the past 8 years. If we are not being represented, we will get another.
Capt. Bob Bunkley
Sport Diving Representative
Scuba Market
82B Longwood Drive
Richmond Hill, GA
sales@scuba-market.com
DO NOT let past differences dictate whether or not you respond! This is an issue that we have tried to fight for 2 years. If we lose, I have numbers to some of the other ledges around Grays that are not under exclusive lease to the Government.
Thanks,
Gene

Here's my Email...I sent it to Becky Shortland because I didn't see how to send a comment anywhere else.

Dear Ms. Shortland,

I could not find a way to send a comment for docket # NOAA–NOS–2009–0002 concerning spearfishing in Grays Reef so I thought I would send it to you.

My concern is that spearfishing is being unfairly treated. The selectivity by which that type of fishing is conducted assures that no endangered or regulated fish are harmed. The mortality rate is next to zero and the only fish harvested are selected by the diver before taken.

I'm not sure about this statement and exactly what it means, so I'm asking for some clarification:

"Spearfishing is often used to selectively target larger fish, and can significantly reduce abundance and alter the relative size structure of target species toward smaller fish."

If I do understand it correctly, doesn't size limits correct this "dilemma".

I also noted from the socioeconomic findings conducted by Rod Ehler, economist, that spearfishing is not even a threat to the area.

"Results from the socioeconomic study indicate that no dive charters made spearfishing trips to GRNMS in recent years and none plan to in the future."
For the whole document:
http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspubli...00006480906e7a

One of my concerns is that actions like docket # NOAA–NOS–2009–0002 are not only unwarranted, but will set precedence and compromise fishing rights everywhere.

I can't help but feel that I've wasted my time writing. Environmental organizations have millions at there disposal thanks to organizations like PEW, all the while seeking only the information they want to further their agenda. Take for instance statements found in Mr. Ehlers report:

"A formal study of private boat based spearfishing at GRNMS has not been undertaken and would be difficult..."

I would ask Mr. Ehler...how important is doing the right thing and passing the proper regulations based on unbiased scientific data & "full" reports!!!

Anyway Ms Shortland, I hope you can see some of my concern and would please forward this to the proper authorities...the link I found ( http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspubli...00006480906e7a ) concerning this agenda had that field blank...wonder why that is???

Thank you for your time.

__________________
Slow is Smooth and Smooth is FAST!!
Team Grady Sponsors:Brian Toung Attorney,Simon Reynolds/Charter Pilot, Pastor Steve Johnson, Len Pepe Photography

She's certainly the wrong one to write to- she's a 'believer' that spearing is bad. (I spoke to her on the phone). Hopefully, we'll get the real comment address soon.

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"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter, and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." A. Lincoln

Written comments will be taken at WWW.regulations.gov search for docket# NOAA-NOS-2009-0002 .Scroll down the results to" Regulations on the use of spearfishing gear- Grays Reef National Marine Sanctuary", then click on send a comment or submission. Also note on comments that our Sport Diving Representative was not present!
Thanks,
Gene

Thanks for the email Gradyman!

USE THE LINK BELOW TO SEND YOUR PUBLIC COMMENTS TO PREVENT SPEARFISHING GEAR FROM BEING BANNED AT GRAY'S REEF.

CLICK HERE

Is hook/line fishing allowed in Gray's Reef?

Spearing and H&L is currently allowed, but they are trying to stop spearfishing only.

They say it's the only way to prevent powerheading in the reserve.
They say it's the only way to prevent the larger breeders from being harvested(like H&L guys only catch the little guys).
They say not many people shoot there, so it's not a big deal.

I say there doesn't seem to be a problem, but they are making the push anyway. Nothing they say is based on research or science in any way. It is someone's feeling that prohibiting spearing will further protect the fish in the sanctuary.

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www.freediveplanet.com
www.spearingvideos.com
www.KillShotMetalArt.com

My comment:

Your attempt to ban spearfishing in Gray's Reef is prejudicial and unfounded. Your comments about 'large fish' are threatened by spearfishing is without evidence or fact. Your targeted fishers (spearfishing) must be on your personal 'hate' list - you have loosely thrown out your opinion as support of your action - this is totally without merit!

Here are some facts: Spearfishing is the most selective method of legal fishing. There is no bycatch or mortality factors with spearfishing - hook/line fishing has mortality issues due to depth, hook removal, and fish are thrown back with injury. Due to the diver visually observing the fish sought for taking, spearfishing is the most secure method of fishing to ensure preservation, long term survival and success of the targeted species that are legally fished. I am totally against your movement. Please find other issues to focus your time on - there certainly are plenty more pressing issues in our oceans today!

Every attempt to ban spearfishing is another 'nail in our coffin' if we don't defend the sport in a large way - everyone needs to send a comment against this discrimination: Here is mailing address:
GRAY'S REEF NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY
10 OCEAN SCIENCE CIRCLE
SAVANNAH, GA 31411

Use the above link to electronically enter your comments on record.

i sent my comments

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fishkillaproductions.com

I heard about this and sent my comment.



Banning All fishing On sound science is one thing. Banning just Spearfishing because someone, or some group doesn't like it, is Unconstitutional. This user group is by far the smallest of any. We have limited viz and a lots of tide, most of the time in this area. We only have minutes of bottom time to safely fish because of laws of physics. We have zero bycatch. There is far less fish taken by divers in this area than any other user group.
Most Divers like Most fishermen only take what we are legally aloud to take.
You say divers only target the bigger fish. The bigger fish know what diver are all about
and usally swim out of range. Again because of the time we are aloud to spend on the bottom we take what we legally can. There are more of the same bigger fish taken on a
live bait on a Hook than a diver with any type on spearfishing gear.

Just letting you know I sent my comments in also . I think it's just stupid! Stoggie

Comments are still being taken. If you love to spearfish, you had better get involved! This is the tip of the iceberg. "Change you can believe in!"

http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspubli...000064808e9d04
Enter YOUR COMMENT TODAY!!!

I have submittted my feelings on the issue at Grays Reef. I feel this is the first step to completely ban any harvesting of marine life in the sanctuary whether by spear or H&L. If this is accomplished, who says that in a few years we arent on this board debating why NOAA is wanting to ban spearfishing at the Snapper Banks, J reef, etc....This topic is of great importance due to what could happen if this ban is passed.

I sent mine, hope it helps. JB, what was the tone of the meeting you attended?

I was at the meeting & the tone was" Wow, look at the lack of interest". They out numbered us 4 to 1. This is going to happen if no one shows up at the next meeting. They are looking forward to no one showing at this meeting also. This is going to lead to a total ban on all harvest of marine fish within the sanctuary.
Next will be the J-Reef Marine Protected Area.Today Grays Reef, tomorrow the world!
Comments are still being taken & should be sent to everyone on the council. Attending the meeting on the 15th will be the best thing to do.

what time and where is the meeting on the 15th?

I was expecting a lot more people at the last meeting, I was kinda disappointed.

The meeting on the 15th is in Brunswick, GA from 10:00 - 3:00

http://graysreef.noaa.gov/pdfs/sac_meet_041509.pdf

However, this meeting is not specifically for the Spearfishing regulations, it is for all aspects of managing the sanctuary, so I believe the spearfishing topic will probably be fairly short. However, I hear our Sport Diving representative who was NOT at the meeting on March 19th will be there, may be a prime opportunity to speak to him and stress your opinions to him in person.

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www.blacksheepdivers.com