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Coalition of United States 

 Bluefin Tuna User Groups 



The Coalition recommends a fishing vessel observer program 

 for vessels fishing for highly migratory species. We 

 further recommend . that these observer jobs qualify under 

 President Clinton's student loan work off program. 



The Coalition recommends a review by NMFS of the 8% quota 

 for the Angling Category, recognized as a historical user of 

 the resource. NMFS should investigate the 8% vis a vis the 

 fact that Canada and Japan do not fully utilize the ICCAT 

 tolerance in fish under 66 pounds. The Coalition is 

 discussing the possibility of a 50/50 split in the annual 

 unused portion of the small medium/large echoolie category. 

 50% of the allocation could be provided to the Angling 

 Category in the form of fish under 66 pounds and the 

 remaining 50% transferred to giant quota categories. 



In conclusion, further reductions to any and all segments of 

 the U.S. bluefin fishery would have additional severe 

 economic impacts on U.S. fishermen and associated businesses 

 and such reductions would also be counterproductive to 

 achieving long term Atlantic wide bluefin conservation. The 

 Coalition believes that long term equitable conservation and 

 management of highly migratory resources requires 

 participation of all nations with substantial fisheries on 

 bluefin. ICCAT must begin to achieve bluefin conservation 

 and management on the fisheries accounting for more than 88% 

 of the catch of Atlantic bluefin. Modest reductions on the 

 major fisheries can produce huge conservation gains for the 

 entire stock of Atlantic bluefin. 



The Coalition recommends that Congress provide adequate 

 funds to NMFS and State Department for management of highly 

 migratory species. 



Attending tnf May meeting utre Rty Began (United loatnenie Anocierlen, N.J.>, John Htyer (jersey Cawt 

 Angtert Attocistien), Phil Kozar (N«tion*( rithing AMociitlon>, Dave Preble (R.I. Party and Charier toat 

 Assoelaiton), Joe McBrioa, (Montauk Boatmen's and Caotain'i Association). Rich Ruala (East Coast Tuna 

 Aaseeiation), Steonen Sloan (Confederation of Associations oi Atlantic Chartarboats sr^ Captains), Peter 

 Ueiss and BUl Otgnan (General Category Tuna Association). 



A finalized signature sheet will be attached. 



