32 



For example, bluefin stock assessment was examined through a 

 scientific peer review, it was demonstrated that anecdotal informa- 

 tion in very integral parts of the stock assessment was more accu- 

 rate than was the quote/unquote scientific information. Another ex- 

 ample is catch data for angling category bluefin tuna. Catch data 

 preliminaries showed that recreational catches were 200 percent 

 over quota according to NMFS data obtained through MRFSS sur- 

 vey and LPS. We stated that it was wrong. We tried to support our 

 position by submitting anecdotal information. NMFS engaged in a 

 peer review and again, by no coincidence, we have been proven to 

 be correct. 



Yellowfm tuna reports indicated significant underages in catch 

 estimates. We have taken a ten-fold increase in our catches as a 

 result of anecdotal information. There is merit to anecdotal infor- 

 mation. It is now largely disregarded in the process and it can't be 

 any longer. 



With regard to the ASMFC taking over primary jurisdiction blue- 

 fish management, I don't know that I was the one who could have 

 said that it was a disastrous idea, but I wish I had been because 

 that is how I consider it. 



I think it is very dangerous. To me, it is an attempt to cir- 

 cumvent the restrictions of Magnuson. The very process of Magnu- 

 son, the 140 day regulatory process that Gary Matlock referred to, 

 that 140 days was included in the Act for a reason. Congress deter- 

 mined it was necessary. Right now NMFS is suggesting, as to the 

 bluefish, well why don't we get rid of it, why don't we streamline 

 it. We can't do that. 



The ASMFC is an entity, in three different instances, which has 

 totally disregarded the public process. The very technical advisors 

 that you folks have been told about were disregarded. Indeed, in 

 certain instances they have been left out of the room where deci- 

 sions have been made. 



Gary Caputi pointed it out on striped bass. The technical advi- 

 sors were put out of the room during the decisionmaking process. 

 On bluefish, it was a committee, and not the full commission, that 

 voted on a three-fish limit. Only because of great political pressure 

 was this vote overturned. 



Then finally on striped bass. Congressman Saxton you have put 

 in a bill to try to restrict the fishery in the E.E.Z. until we know 

 more of its potential impact. Guess what, the ASMFC is going back 

 to revisit it. 



The public process is not part of the ASMFC's vocabulary. I can- 

 not emphasize enough what a bad idea this proposal is until 

 ASMFC is made accountable to the public and allows the public 

 into the process. The Coastal Fisheries legislation has to be amend- 

 ed, as does the charter of the ASMFC, which right now does re- 

 strict the public imput. 



One final thing. With regard to amendment one to the Bluefish 

 Fishery Management Plan, it provides an excellent opportunity. It 

 is necessary. It is also an opportunity to incorporate that very in- 

 formation, and the very same anecdotal information, that I have 

 made reference to which managers try so hard to stay away from. 



There is information out there. It is biological information. There 

 are shifts in bait. There are shifts in water. There are shifts in the 



