End Overfishing -- A Chance to Save 10 Species
Did you know U.S. South Atlantic waters have more dwindling fish populations than any other region in the nation?
Ten species are in critical need of protection -- from black, red and gag grouper that make up the popular fish sandwich to the Warsaw grouper, a gentle giant that can grow nearly eight feet long and weigh up to 440 pounds. Additionally, red snapper populations have plummeted to just 3 percent of 1945 levels, and although they can live up to 54 years, few are older than 10.
Regional fishery managers are currently working on important changes to fishing rules that would strengthen limits on the numbers of fish caught annually, prohibit fishing in some areas of the ocean where imperiled fish live and limit certain kinds of fishing so populations have time to replenish themselves.
You can help save these fish! Please send a letter to the chairman of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, asking for approval of the new rules to help end overfishing and preserve our ocean ecosystem for future generations.
Dear Chairman Harris,
As you and members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council prepare to make critical decisions about the future of our fish, I want to strongly encourage you to approve Amendments 17a and 17b to help end overfishing and save 10 dwindling species.
You and the Council have made bold choices before that are backed up by rigorous scientific analysis. Please let science be your guide now. I respectfully request that you and the Council protect our public resources to ensure a healthy ocean ecosystem and robust fish populations for future generations.
[Your comment here]
Please do not delay and vote now to approve Amendments 17a and 17b.
