NO to H.3898 (a bill to increase redfish limit from 3/day to 5/day)
- by: Ross Appel
- recipient: South Carolina's Recreational Fishing Community
Representatives Bill Bowers (D-Colleton/Hampton) and Robert Brown (D-Charleston/Colleton) have co-sponsored H.3898, which would increase the redfish daily bag limit on (i.e., red drum, spottail bass) from 3 fish per day to 5 fish per day.
Only a few years ago, the limit was increased from 2/day to 3/day. The co-sponsors have failed to cite any scientific evidence justifying this increase, other than the anecdotal claims that "redfish are doing fine." SC is one of the only states where politicians (not scientists) directly impact fisheries management decisions.
Let's not forget that redfish were almost wiped out due to overfishing in the 80s. By signing this petition you are voicing your support for maintaining smart, balanced protections on this incredible gamefish.
Thanks!
We the undersigned are opposed to H.3898.
Redfish limits should remain in place at the 3/day level. In the alternative, expanding slot size (say, from 18 to 27 inches), while decreasing to 2/day may be appropriate.
At any rate, such a dramatic increase from 3/day to 5/day would hurt our fisheries. The lack of scientific evidence supporting such a change is unacceptable.
The bill's co-sponsors claim that a 5/day limit is necessary to sustain the recreational fishing industry. On the contrary, nothing could be more damaging to recreational fishing than devastating our resources.
