Here’s what a few anglers and a scientist said about Biscayne National Park’s (BNP) new General Management Plan
[dropcap]R[/dropcap]egarding so-called ‘closures’ (News: New rules, no-fishing zone for Biscayne National Park) there’s a reality to it that’s missing. And several stakeholders have addressed their concerns: Capt. Bob Branham has guided in the Bay for over 30 years. Cindy Russell, avid tarpon angler; Norman Duncan former guide; Jerry Ault, University of Miami marine ecosystem biologist and Miami resident Marty Arostegi (holds more IGFA records than anyone).
Bob Branham
NOTE: Among the top Biscayne Bay fishing guides, Branham is known as “The Godfather of BNP.” Here’s what he said: “You could kill manatees out there and nobody would stop you. There’s zero enforcement. I know in a management plan they have to figure out what’s going to happen in the future but they haven’t enforced any of the stuff in the last management plan. So to say it doesn’t work is bull-shit.”
Cindy Russell
Capt. Dave Hunt, her husband, often guides in the park. She said: “Not really much new. Park service caved to commercial fishing/shrimping interests. Its a shame.“
Reply sent to Keep America Fishing regarding their blog “Stop the Biscayne lockout . . . Access Denied”
“I was involved in the efforts that contributed to the creation of Biscayne National Monument in 1969.
As a recreational angler, I am extremely glad that the National Park Service has implemented a Marine Protection Area in Biscayne National Park. I ask for your help to stop the unwarranted opposition to this closure.
The marine reserve being proposed is supported by science and will have a long-term beneficial impact on the communities that are dependent on recreational fishing access to Biscayne National Park.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, has been odds with the NPS regarding control of the fisheries in BNP. The FWC opposes the National Park Service’s plan, saying that the proposed marine reserve is unnecessarily restrictive and other less restrictive management options can provide healthy fisheries resources while still allowing for public access. At times, the track record of the FWC’s management of the fisheries and wildlife seems to be politically motivated.
As your constituent, I hope you and your colleagues will act to preserve our fisheries for future generations.
Note: A couple of weeks ago my wife and I went on the dive boat in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, we saw a mutton snapper over 15 pounds and several black grouper even larger. Fish of this size have not been seen or caught in the reef areas of Biscayne National Park for years.“
Duncan is the inventor of the Inside and Outside Fly, Duncan Loop, formerly guided in the Park and still fishes it.
Jerry Ault
“We’ve gotta do something,” said Jerald Ault, a University of Miami marine ecosystem biologist. Adding: “The Tortugas is going to be a shiny example of this thing working really well. It’s not like it’s coming from left field.”
Marty Arostegui
“At some point, they will migrate out where they can be caught. So you really need a network of reserves.”
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