THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 30, 1997 TAG: 9701300004
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 28 lines
As a strong supporter of Virginia's commercial-fishing tradition, I was disgusted to hear that the 1997 Virginia winter flounder season ended on Jan. 20. The season ended due to overfishing of the species by commercial fishermen, most of whom were not residents of Virginia.
Why wasn't anything done to preserve the Virginia fishery?
While attending several meetings of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, I was able to hear the opinion of almost everyone connected to the commercial-fishing industry. Most of these men were concerned with their personal agendas. However, there was one man with a well-thought-out proposal. That man was Tony Pennello, a lifelong Virginia fisherman. His plan would have cut in half the number of boats eligible for a license, tremendously extending the life of the fishery. Unfortunately, VMRC paid little attention to Pennello.
Obviously, the Virginia fisherman does not benefit from not being allowed to fish. While the fishermen sit on the dock, they have no fish to sell to the area's packing plants. No fish means no money. Just another classic example of the government not looking after the ones it governs.
MATT HARDISON
Chesapeake, Jan. 20, 1997