NMFS has imposed heavy regulations on dogfishing created by tests that were inaccurate and outdated. As a result, by interfering in the natural check and balance system of nature, the species has become prolific and is endangering almost every other form of marine life.
Dogfish have been known to live up to 100 years. They give birth year round to anywhere from 2 - 16 pups who are 8 - 12 inches long and are born with a full set of teeth, completely capable of killing their prey seconds after they emerge from the womb. Although their diet consists primarily of cod, haddock, hake, herring and fluke, they are also known to feed on sand lances, horseshoe crab eggs, and virtually every form of marine life in their path.
The regulation of US Fisheries is only going to be effective if multi-species issues are taken into consideration. Please give your attention to this critical matter before any further damage is done to the balance of our marine life.
We The Undersigned:
The existing regulations regarding dogfish are outdated and inadequate. Even studies provided by governmental agencies have shown that earlier tests have proved to be potentially inaccurate. Furthermore, considering the predatory nature of the dogfish, regulation of this fishery should be implemented to encompass a multi-species benefit, as opposed to the individual species consideration which has been used in the past. The high concentration of dogfish along the eastern seaboard in the United States is devastating the population of more beneficial species such as cod, haddock, hake, herring and sand lances. Additionally, dogfish are known to feed widely on virtually every other form of marine life. Just one example would be the eggs of the horseshoe crab which, when destroyed, greatly impacts the future of our shorebird population.
What you are seeing happen is the result of the regulations imposed on dogfishing in recent years. Because they have been protected, rather than allow nature to evolve naturally, the dogfish have become prolific endangering almost every other form of marine life. The reality is if a more realistic approach is not taken to dogfish management, virtually all areas of marine life will be in danger. This a very serious issue facing not only commercial fisherman today, but due to long term repercussions, one that will eventually affect our entire community as a whole.
I respectfully request that you support a higher dogfish quota for our commercial fisherman, and more importantly, please encourage a year round fishery to be implemented.
Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.
