Guys,
Take my word for it that it is time for all of you who have shown concern over what the herring boats have done to this whole region to act.
Write Dr.Bill Hogarth and Patricia Kurkul and tell them in a short email (or letter) that you strongly support Alternative 7 to Amendment 1 to the Herring FMP. This is the Alternative the Council voted for 13-2, and included the Purse Seine/Fixed Gear only 'Buffer Zone'.
Not only did the Council vote 13-2 (with the only two who voted Nay being those with direct interests in the midwater trawler fishery) but was an overwhelming show of support from the public.
This is the real deal guys, its time to put up or shut up. If you want to have a healthy GOM again, you must write in ASAP.
This is not a false alarm. Take the few minutes and write to Bill and Pat and tell them how you feel. Make sure you include what i said above.
Bill's email is:
bill.hogarth@noaa.gov
Pat's email is:
pat.kurkul@noaa.gov
You can go to the NMFS site or google it and find out a fax or mailing address if that is easier for you.
Do it soon. Tell them how you feel, who you are and what you want them to do.
Thanks guys.
TIME TO ACT-HERRING BUFFER ZONE 
