MD voted in support of the motion to start the discussion on an increase in the coastal commercial quota. There had been an vote last year that failed to carry the same motion. I've been told MD's vote was made in an effort to at least bring the discussion to the table and allow it to take place.
If I'm not mistaken, ASMFC will now draft an addendum with options for an increase.
There will be further discussion, and debate, once some real numbers make it to paper.
Again, I could be wrong, but it sounds like this is an allocation issue, where the rec quota will be reduced to increase the commercial quota. I do not believe an increase in TAC will be an option.
I hope to see many of you at the SFAC meeting next Monday Feb 22nd @ 6pm in Tawes C1. I look forward to hearing what Tom O'Connell has to say with regard to MD's vote.
-D
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