Proposal fails to establish a biological problem, omits serious economic warnings, and threatens livelihoods of union and African American working families before ongoing research is complete.
No demonstrated biological problem. The draft relies on statements about what "may" happen, what "could" occur, or what is "possible," while acknowledging that sufficient data do not exist.
The ASMFC's own record does not support new restrictions. The current Bay Cap is already highly precautionary, and the Technical Committee found no consistent relationship between fishing timing and Maryland pound-net catches.
Critical economic warnings were omitted. The addendum leaves out the ASMFC's Committee on Economics and Social Sciences warnings of structural unemployment, a minimum operating volume threshold, and a possible 100 percent shutdown.
Civil rights and labor concerns have been raised. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference expresses concern that African American workers, union families, and rural communities may be disproportionately affected.
