. Coast watch. Marine resources; Oceanography; Coastal zone management; Coastal ecology. feel recreational anglers are the big winners. But the biggest worry is the prospect of added regulations to an already heavily regulated industry. Should artificial reef sites ever become "no-take" zones, it would seriously decrease the state's fishing area, the article says. The group questions whether science supports assumptions about the benefits of artificial reefs. Jerry Schill, NCFA president, served on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council from 1989 until 1995. He says, "I h
. Coast watch. Marine resources; Oceanography; Coastal zone management; Coastal ecology. feel recreational anglers are the big winners. But the biggest worry is the prospect of added regulations to an already heavily regulated industry. Should artificial reef sites ever become "no-take" zones, it would seriously decrease the state's fishing area, the article says. The group questions whether science supports assumptions about the benefits of artificial reefs. Jerry Schill, NCFA president, served on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council from 1989 until 1995. He says, "I have heard 'experts' questioning how much biological benefit artificial reefs offer. There are many in the environmental or biological arena that suggest artificial reefs offer no real produc- tion benefits, but rather only offer a place for fish to ; The worst-case scenario, he says, would be if future regulations make artificial reefs off-limits to commercial gear users — but open to recreational hook-and-line anglers. This would eliminate all benefits of the reef program to the commercial fishing industry. Francesconi doesn't have immediate answers for the commercial fishing group or recreational anglers. DMF scientists are collecting data for a five-year, state and federally funded study. "Using hook-and-line fishing techniques, we are looking at species composition and relative productivity of reefs in shallow, mid- and deep ocean waters," he says. They also dive to conduct fish counts and to determine spawning activity. Francesconi says they also have devised a material suitability index to compare ability to attract, stability, durability, cost, safety and ease of deploy- ment. Until all the results are in, he assures all sides of the issue that DMF is vigilant in its responsibility to monitor and maintain buoy and artificial reef sites using available high-tech equipment and diving observation. DECISION TIME Meanwhile, back at Berth 8, it's dec
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookcollectionunclibra, booksubjectoceanography
