rhahn427
02-14-2006, 04:27 PM
I had been asked to post the responses from our elected representatives. The best help has been from Delegate Eric Bromwell ......... the worst from Ehrlich. Below is the exchange of emails concerning the Yellow Perch.
You have to read from the bottom up to get the chronological order.
LAST MESSAGE FROM ME TO MR BROMWELL:
No ... Thank YOU Mr Bromwell for your help ..................
It doesn't make sense for the the DNR or the legislature to allow netters to ruin a recovering fishery for an estimated economic gain of less than $20,000. What is further amazing and very disturbing is the way the DNR executives make the scientists say exactly what they want them to say and try to call it science.
Some people received (via the Freedom of Information Act) documents and emails concerning the Yellow Perch Populations. Here is the direct quotes from the email between the DNR Executive and the Scientist taken from the Tidalfish.com posting:
From Tidalfish posting:
Here's my favorite email exchange between a 2nd floor scientist and a 4th floor decision maker, courtesy of CCA MD's public information act request:
2nd Floor: "We can't tell you how many perch there are in these 2 rivers with any level of confidence."
4th Floor: "So, are there 4 times as many?"
2nd Floor: "Sure."
4th Floors: "7 times as many?"
2nd Floor: "Sure, why not."
There was a similar exchange regarding determining the amount of effort a yp fishery in the Choptank and Nanticoke would prompt, with the scientist on the 2nd floor telling the 4th floor there was really no way to know. So if you don't know how many fish there are and you don't know what the effort will be to catch them, why issue a press release estimating this fishery will yield 5000# per river? ........ (end of Tidalfish post.)
I and many many people find this EXTREMELY disturbing. How can a political appointed Ehrlich whatever be allowed to overrule science? What I find equally disturbing is how our Governor has not responded to my emails concerning the yellow perch matter but that is another matter.
I hope you don't mind but I have taken the liberty of posting our email exchanges on Tidalfish so the many many fishermen can see how you are helping with our concerns.
There is another matter that I'm hoping you will help us with. The Md Senate has a BILL HB 439 proposed by Nancy Jacobs that limits the netting in the Bush river however this needs to be expanded to all of the rivers and we need to have the support of the MD House. I was hoping you could help rally support in the house and the Senate for this effort and guidance on how best to make sure it passes in the amended form. Can we count on your assistance?
I thank you in advance for you help and guidance in this matter.
Sincerely
Rick Hahn
Delegate Eric Bromwell <Eric_Bromwell@house.state.md.us> wrote:
Hello again Mr. Hahn. I wanted to let you know that I forwarded your e-mail to Delegate Jim Malone from Baltimore County. Delegate Malone is the Vice-Chairman of the Environmental Matter Committee. Delegate Malone said that this is an issue that is being dealt with as we speak. He said that right now it is in AELR (see below). AELR is in essence, making the inquiry that you mentioned. I will try to get an update of the status of this, but wanted to let you know there is something being done. Thanks again.
Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR)
The primary function of the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR) is to review all regulations proposed by executive units, with committee approval required for the emergency adoption of regulations. The committee also has the authority to examine the performance of officers and employees of any of the three branches of State government to determine compliance with State laws. It may review the operation of executive units and agencies and may make recommendations for improvements. The committee is required to report at least once a year to the Legislative Policy Committee and to the General Assembly, accounting for its work and studies and reporting on any recommendations.
Delegate Eric M. Bromwell
309 Lowe House Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401
410.841.3766
-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Hahn [mailto:rhahn427@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2006 11:56 AM
To: Eric_Bromwell@house.state.md.us
Subject: RE: Yellow Perch
Dear Mr Bromwell;
Yes ...... I think an inquiry to the DNR is in order. It might pay to keep some pressure on them. In addition, it would be good to understand how a notorious poacher by the name of Danny Beck still has a license to net fish. Also, if he doesn't have a license then how is he able to continue netting. My understanding is that this person has been arrested many times and has served time for poaching. If this is true then why is he even allowed on the water much less allowed to net. This is a question that maybe you should ask the DNR.
If a recreational fisherman or hunter is caught with multiple violations multiple times or serious violations once, then that person would most likely lose their license for an extended period of time or permanently. So why is this person still netting?
THanks
Richard Hahn
Delegate Eric Bromwell <Eric_Bromwell@house.state.md.us> wrote:
Hello Mr. Hahn and thank you for your e-mail. I want you to know that I couldn't agree more. My family (meaning about 175 members) has owned a house on the Seneca Creek for many, many years. I grew up fishing that creek and miss the days when we could pull in beautiful fish, purely for enjoyment and recreation. Like you, I am very upset by the actions of the Administration. I am pro-business on many issues, but I can't see how the Administration is pro-business, pro-commercial 100% of the time? Clearly it is the environment that suffers when we deplete our resources and poison our waters and air.
I want to help you in every way I can Mr. Hahn. I too am concerned for not only for the current state of our fish and waters, but for our fish and waters in the future. But I want you to know that as a Delegate, I have very little say when it comes to the policies of the DNR. I can write a letter of inquiry, but as a member of the Health and Government Operations Committee, my role in the DNR is very, very limited.
Thanks again Mr. Hahn. Please contact me again and let me know how I can help. I look forward to hearing from you again soon.
Delegate Eric M. Bromwell
309 Lowe House Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401
410.841.3766
-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Hahn [mailto:rhahn427@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2006 3:56 PM
To: Eric.Bromwell@house.state.md.us
Subject: Yellow Perch
Dear Mr. Bromwell;
I can vividly remember fishing for yellow perch in the raceway at the headwaters of Wye river. It was in March every year I think. My brother and I would get excited a week before the trip. Getting tackle together ...... talking about the fish we caught in previous years ..... and badgering each other and the friends that would go with us.
The night before we could hardly sleep ...... and when we did, we dreamed of the bobbers going under and the tug on the line and the ensuing fight.
I can remember the long drive and the overwhelming anticipation of just getting and seeing who would wet their line first ......... who would catch the first fish .......... and of course who would catch the biggest ......... all the fun and excitement ........... and being soooo exhausted from all the fun that we all fell asleep for the long drive home.
It was a tradition ....... it marked our beginning of spring ......... it is some of my fondest memories and that was over 40 years ago.
Unfortunately, I could not carry on that tradition with my own children. You see ..... for many reasons the yellow perch population declined severely until there were few yellow perch to be found and the fishery was all but closed in many areas. But now I understand the commercial fishermen will be allowed to net what is left of the population in some rivers. This makes no sense to me. And it makes no sense to me that my elected representative would you allow this to happen?
I have said nothing when many people were replaced in the DNR ............ I have said little when we allowed the netters in Virginia to decimate the alewive population to make fish oil supplements. But now I feel I must say something because this is now destroying the dream that I may someday recreate this cherished tradition with my future grandchildren.
This just doesn't make any sense ......... and much less dollars. Every fisherman I know spends hundreds and thousands of dollars more than the retail cost of the fish they catch, yet the fishermen seem to be second class citizens to our elected officials.
The latest version of a Southwick Study shows the state's recreational fishery provides 7,037 full-time jobs. Conversely, commercial fishing is good for only 1,129 and recreational fishing is responsible for $339 million in retail sales. Compare that to just $1million for the commercial fishery. I personally think that these figures are low for the recreational fishing. Especially when you consider the side benefits of dining, lodging, gas boat repairs and marine enhancements etc, etc ,et. Just go out in a boat on a hot summers weekend and add up the value of the boats you see around you. I guarantee it's well over a million from just about any spot north of South River at any given time.
In addition, a recreational fisherman takes a couple of fish but the commercial fisherman takes many, many, many fish. In reality, the value of a commercial fishery is dependent on killing large numbers of fish, whereas the recreational fishery -- through catch-and-release methods and stringent creel limits -- can sustain a fishery even when times are tough such as the yellow perch fishery.
So I guess I have to ask myself why in the world would our DNR allow the rape of a struggling yellow perch fishery by commercial netting. I guess I'm also asking if you are truly representing you constituency if you do nothing to stop this travesty.
I have thousands of dollars invested in my fishing and I know many people that have tens of thousands invested in their fishing .......... I even know a few that have hundreds of thousands invested .......... this yellow perch controversy makes me realize that I must do something to protect my investment. I'm hoping you, as my elected representative, will help me.
SINCERELY.
Richard Hahn
You have to read from the bottom up to get the chronological order.
LAST MESSAGE FROM ME TO MR BROMWELL:
No ... Thank YOU Mr Bromwell for your help ..................
It doesn't make sense for the the DNR or the legislature to allow netters to ruin a recovering fishery for an estimated economic gain of less than $20,000. What is further amazing and very disturbing is the way the DNR executives make the scientists say exactly what they want them to say and try to call it science.
Some people received (via the Freedom of Information Act) documents and emails concerning the Yellow Perch Populations. Here is the direct quotes from the email between the DNR Executive and the Scientist taken from the Tidalfish.com posting:
From Tidalfish posting:
Here's my favorite email exchange between a 2nd floor scientist and a 4th floor decision maker, courtesy of CCA MD's public information act request:
2nd Floor: "We can't tell you how many perch there are in these 2 rivers with any level of confidence."
4th Floor: "So, are there 4 times as many?"
2nd Floor: "Sure."
4th Floors: "7 times as many?"
2nd Floor: "Sure, why not."
There was a similar exchange regarding determining the amount of effort a yp fishery in the Choptank and Nanticoke would prompt, with the scientist on the 2nd floor telling the 4th floor there was really no way to know. So if you don't know how many fish there are and you don't know what the effort will be to catch them, why issue a press release estimating this fishery will yield 5000# per river? ........ (end of Tidalfish post.)
I and many many people find this EXTREMELY disturbing. How can a political appointed Ehrlich whatever be allowed to overrule science? What I find equally disturbing is how our Governor has not responded to my emails concerning the yellow perch matter but that is another matter.
I hope you don't mind but I have taken the liberty of posting our email exchanges on Tidalfish so the many many fishermen can see how you are helping with our concerns.
There is another matter that I'm hoping you will help us with. The Md Senate has a BILL HB 439 proposed by Nancy Jacobs that limits the netting in the Bush river however this needs to be expanded to all of the rivers and we need to have the support of the MD House. I was hoping you could help rally support in the house and the Senate for this effort and guidance on how best to make sure it passes in the amended form. Can we count on your assistance?
I thank you in advance for you help and guidance in this matter.
Sincerely
Rick Hahn
Delegate Eric Bromwell <Eric_Bromwell@house.state.md.us> wrote:
Hello again Mr. Hahn. I wanted to let you know that I forwarded your e-mail to Delegate Jim Malone from Baltimore County. Delegate Malone is the Vice-Chairman of the Environmental Matter Committee. Delegate Malone said that this is an issue that is being dealt with as we speak. He said that right now it is in AELR (see below). AELR is in essence, making the inquiry that you mentioned. I will try to get an update of the status of this, but wanted to let you know there is something being done. Thanks again.
Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR)
The primary function of the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR) is to review all regulations proposed by executive units, with committee approval required for the emergency adoption of regulations. The committee also has the authority to examine the performance of officers and employees of any of the three branches of State government to determine compliance with State laws. It may review the operation of executive units and agencies and may make recommendations for improvements. The committee is required to report at least once a year to the Legislative Policy Committee and to the General Assembly, accounting for its work and studies and reporting on any recommendations.
Delegate Eric M. Bromwell
309 Lowe House Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401
410.841.3766
-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Hahn [mailto:rhahn427@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2006 11:56 AM
To: Eric_Bromwell@house.state.md.us
Subject: RE: Yellow Perch
Dear Mr Bromwell;
Yes ...... I think an inquiry to the DNR is in order. It might pay to keep some pressure on them. In addition, it would be good to understand how a notorious poacher by the name of Danny Beck still has a license to net fish. Also, if he doesn't have a license then how is he able to continue netting. My understanding is that this person has been arrested many times and has served time for poaching. If this is true then why is he even allowed on the water much less allowed to net. This is a question that maybe you should ask the DNR.
If a recreational fisherman or hunter is caught with multiple violations multiple times or serious violations once, then that person would most likely lose their license for an extended period of time or permanently. So why is this person still netting?
THanks
Richard Hahn
Delegate Eric Bromwell <Eric_Bromwell@house.state.md.us> wrote:
Hello Mr. Hahn and thank you for your e-mail. I want you to know that I couldn't agree more. My family (meaning about 175 members) has owned a house on the Seneca Creek for many, many years. I grew up fishing that creek and miss the days when we could pull in beautiful fish, purely for enjoyment and recreation. Like you, I am very upset by the actions of the Administration. I am pro-business on many issues, but I can't see how the Administration is pro-business, pro-commercial 100% of the time? Clearly it is the environment that suffers when we deplete our resources and poison our waters and air.
I want to help you in every way I can Mr. Hahn. I too am concerned for not only for the current state of our fish and waters, but for our fish and waters in the future. But I want you to know that as a Delegate, I have very little say when it comes to the policies of the DNR. I can write a letter of inquiry, but as a member of the Health and Government Operations Committee, my role in the DNR is very, very limited.
Thanks again Mr. Hahn. Please contact me again and let me know how I can help. I look forward to hearing from you again soon.
Delegate Eric M. Bromwell
309 Lowe House Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401
410.841.3766
-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Hahn [mailto:rhahn427@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2006 3:56 PM
To: Eric.Bromwell@house.state.md.us
Subject: Yellow Perch
Dear Mr. Bromwell;
I can vividly remember fishing for yellow perch in the raceway at the headwaters of Wye river. It was in March every year I think. My brother and I would get excited a week before the trip. Getting tackle together ...... talking about the fish we caught in previous years ..... and badgering each other and the friends that would go with us.
The night before we could hardly sleep ...... and when we did, we dreamed of the bobbers going under and the tug on the line and the ensuing fight.
I can remember the long drive and the overwhelming anticipation of just getting and seeing who would wet their line first ......... who would catch the first fish .......... and of course who would catch the biggest ......... all the fun and excitement ........... and being soooo exhausted from all the fun that we all fell asleep for the long drive home.
It was a tradition ....... it marked our beginning of spring ......... it is some of my fondest memories and that was over 40 years ago.
Unfortunately, I could not carry on that tradition with my own children. You see ..... for many reasons the yellow perch population declined severely until there were few yellow perch to be found and the fishery was all but closed in many areas. But now I understand the commercial fishermen will be allowed to net what is left of the population in some rivers. This makes no sense to me. And it makes no sense to me that my elected representative would you allow this to happen?
I have said nothing when many people were replaced in the DNR ............ I have said little when we allowed the netters in Virginia to decimate the alewive population to make fish oil supplements. But now I feel I must say something because this is now destroying the dream that I may someday recreate this cherished tradition with my future grandchildren.
This just doesn't make any sense ......... and much less dollars. Every fisherman I know spends hundreds and thousands of dollars more than the retail cost of the fish they catch, yet the fishermen seem to be second class citizens to our elected officials.
The latest version of a Southwick Study shows the state's recreational fishery provides 7,037 full-time jobs. Conversely, commercial fishing is good for only 1,129 and recreational fishing is responsible for $339 million in retail sales. Compare that to just $1million for the commercial fishery. I personally think that these figures are low for the recreational fishing. Especially when you consider the side benefits of dining, lodging, gas boat repairs and marine enhancements etc, etc ,et. Just go out in a boat on a hot summers weekend and add up the value of the boats you see around you. I guarantee it's well over a million from just about any spot north of South River at any given time.
In addition, a recreational fisherman takes a couple of fish but the commercial fisherman takes many, many, many fish. In reality, the value of a commercial fishery is dependent on killing large numbers of fish, whereas the recreational fishery -- through catch-and-release methods and stringent creel limits -- can sustain a fishery even when times are tough such as the yellow perch fishery.
So I guess I have to ask myself why in the world would our DNR allow the rape of a struggling yellow perch fishery by commercial netting. I guess I'm also asking if you are truly representing you constituency if you do nothing to stop this travesty.
I have thousands of dollars invested in my fishing and I know many people that have tens of thousands invested in their fishing .......... I even know a few that have hundreds of thousands invested .......... this yellow perch controversy makes me realize that I must do something to protect my investment. I'm hoping you, as my elected representative, will help me.
SINCERELY.
Richard Hahn