For those of you following the ongoing drama...The Shore Bird Technical
Committee (SBTC) of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has
released
its report to the full Commission. Some of the highlights follow. Tomorrow
(Tuesday), at their meeting in Crystal City, the final vote will be taken. It
does
appear that a moratorium on the harvest of crabs actually stands a chance of
passing. Wish us luck. If you'd like to attend the meeting, it's at the
Doubletree hotel in Crystal City - 300 Army Navy Drive. Starts at 1:30p....Rich
Rieger
---The SBTC discussed the options in the draft Addendum. The significant
issues and points that were made are as follows:
***There is concern that a male only harvest could shift the sex ratio
resulting in uncertain effects on genetics and mating behavior that potentially
could reduce egg availability.
Shorebird numbers at Delaware Bay, including red knots, remain at record low
numbers based upon peak counts from aerial surveys. Wintering counts at
TdF(Tierra del Fuego) have correspondingly low numbers. The percentage of red
knots reaching weight threshold of 185 gms continues at low levels, 14% for
2005.
!!!***Based upon these indices, the Committee agrees that the most risk
averse option for shorebirds is a full moratorium.