President's Administration Closes Window for Public Opinion for Federal Fishery Strategy

The Obama administration will accept no more public input for a federal strategy that could prohibit U.S. citizens from fishing the nation's oceans, coastal areas, Great Lakes, and even inland waters, according to an article from ESPNoutdoors.com.

According to the article, the government movement to begin the steps to limit fishing in the United States began shortly after Barack Obamas election in late 2008. The movement supposedly is being led by NOAAs Jane Lubchenco, who has close ties with environmental groups that have voiced support to ban fishing altogether.

This comes literally weeks after thousands of recreational fishermen, including Eastern Shore fishermen, marched on Washington in protest of fishing regulations.

If an Executive Order such as the one described in the article were passed, it is no doubt that the ramifications for the Eastern Shore would be drastic.

"If fishing was curtailed, theres no doubt it would have a direct impact on our business," says Sandpiper Marine owner Vince Taylor. "Between the current economic situation that is long term, fuel prices going up, EPA regulations that are constantly causing the prices of our products to increase and adding limitations on fishing, it would be a huge. Even I know something like this cant be good."

A link to the full article can be found below.

More Information ESPNoutdoors.com Article