Grays Reef Update
Now that the new management plan for Grays Reef has been approved, a committee has been appointed to study the need for closure of portions of the reef for research purposes. The Marine Research Area Working Group will have its first meeting on May 3-4, 2004 in Savannah, Georgia. Of the 18 members of the working group, 3 are CCA representatives...Willie Olliff (CCAGA Executive Director) and John Duren (CCAGA Chairman) hold the 2 seats representing recreational fishing. Russell Kent (CCAGA Past Chairman) was appointed to one of two seats representing education. Updates on the work of this committee will be posted on this site on a continuing basis.

Freedom to Fish Updates
At the national level, a Freedom to Fish Act was introduced into the Senate on March 25, 2004 by Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and John Breaux (D-LA). The bill closely mirrors a bill introduced into the House of Representatives in July of last year. Responding to proposals to establish a national network of coastal no-fishing zones, the Coastal Conservation Association and the American Sportfishing Association crafted legislation to lead the industry and sportfishing groups in advocating sensible approaches to the establishment of marine protected areas.

Both the current Senate and House versions of the Freedom to Fish Act:

-Acknowledge sportfishing’s significant constituency; the sport’s social, economic, and conservation values; and anglers’ vested interest in healthy fisheries;

-Uphold the longstanding policy of the federal government to allow public access to public lands and waters for recreation when consistent with sound conservation;

-Call for criteria to guide decisions on the establishment of marine protected areas, including conservation and monitoring goals and evaluating impacts on public access; and

-Ensure anglers have opportunities to be involved during policy development.

At the state level, officers of the Coastal Conservation Association of Georgia met with DNR officials to review existing laws and statutes related to protecting our right to fish in December, 2003. The Fisheries Committee of CCA has been charged with reviewing these existing laws and making a recommendation as to whether or not additional legislation is needed. In addition, Senator Eric Johnson (R-SAV) introduced Senate Resolution 563 to amend the Georgia Constitution “so as to provide that the tradition of hunting and fishing and the taking of fish and wildlife shall be preserved for the people and shall be managed by law and regulation for the public good.” The bill passed. Because of these events, CCA GA did not introduce it’s own Freedom to Fish legislation during the 2004 session but will again consider this for the 2005 session.

Interstate Fishery Management: A Look Back... - by Rodney Smith