Project 3 Saltwater Sportsman

Keegan Bird
3623 Gulf Blvd.
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706

4/23/08

Florida Sportsman:
2700 S. Kanner Hwy.
Stuart, FL 34996

Dear Florida Sportsman,

What’s the Deal! Sword fishing off South Florida has been a roller coaster ride lasting years on end. As a fellow South Florida angler, I’ve been paying close attention to what’s happening with swordfish over the past decade. As a habitual reader of Florida Sportsman Magazine, its pleasing to continually read about outstanding catches by anglers both night and daytime fishing, along with the articles teaching newcomers the ropes of effective sword fishing. Yet, your publications lack of actual catch data throughout the region is evident. Avid anglers read about these trophy fish being caught throughout the year but there is no recognition of how the typical sword fisherman is making out. The readers of your magazine are curious to know the real happenings of sword fishing off the coast of South Florida.

With the introduction of the two commercial long line vessels in the region, along with the growing buoy fishermen fleet; what is to happen to the recreational fishing community. This newly recovered sword fishery has been a goldmine to us fellow South Florida anglers and we are all praying history won’t repeat itself. Although, it seems as though there may already be a decline in the replenished fish stocks. The “permanently closed” spawning area for swordfish is once again being pillaged by the commercial fleet. Does the NMFS really think “research” is necessary to adequately assess the population of swordfish off the coast? This new act is a waste of time and money for the Chamber of Commerce; long liner “research” is not necessary in a supposed “permanently closed” commercial fishery. I understand the political backbone behind the commercial operation and catch quotas, but on the behalf of the recreational community, please help to inform us on the status of our prized fishery. South Florida anglers are desperate for information on the future of the swordfish population.

I’m writing this in request of future publication of the yearly stock assessment of swordfish for the benefit of recreational anglers. The coverage of regular catch of swordfish by both recreational and commercial buoy and long lines in the area would help the public to know more accurately the presence of swordfish off South Florida. Also, publishing the NOAA/NMFS landings data every month would be greatly appreciated by those who don’t browse the fishing forums and NMFS website. More readily accessible information displayed in your monthly magazines will help people to understand what is occurring off the coast. Knowledge is the first step toward action and an eventual strong, unified group of influential anglers/supporters. Swordfish need all the help they can get to maintain the health of their population for future generations. Please help us stay up to date with the status of the species and keep up the good work.


Sincerely,
Keegan Bird
Stuart, FL