The money coming from Suffolk County was raised by Phil Curcio representing the New York Tackle Trade Association and United Boatmen of New York. Phil is working to secure additional contributions from New York state organizations. At this time no other organizations have confirmed their contributions.
Working with the benchmark process will be only the beginning of the efforts that will be undertaken by this partnership. As a partnership we have committed to looking for long-term summer flounder research, ecosystem management and the impact of pollution and habitat destruction. For this type of major research we need a commitment from the Federal government. JCAA has committed to using our resources and contacts in Washington, DC to promote this effort. I will be leading this effort for JCAA and will be meeting with our representatives in Washington, DC in February. United Boatmen of New Jersey, Garden State Seafood and JCAA have been working on promoting research projects for over 16 years. With the addition of New York organizations and the RFA and SSFFF, we have expanded this coalition. We need to continue this expansion as broadly as possible. When you look at the budgets of NMFS and the various state agencies, no money is being spent on this type of research. The commercial and recreational fishing industries and the people who participate have been suffering for years. We get poor management and poor science. The economic value of the commercial and recreational industries far exceeds the minimal amount that is spent on these industries by both the states and the Federal government. I am so proud of all of us for our ability to set aside our differences and focus on these crucial issues. Congratulations to everyone involved.