PETITION - Stop MPA Fishing LOCKOUTS in FL Keys

This looks like a great site! I recognize most of you from other sites. I've been lurkin' for a while & just registered.

The tribe could use your help:

Anti-fishing proposals are trying to "LOCKOUT" recreational fishing in the Florida Keys MPA's by increasing No-Take zones by another ~310 Million square yards!

We, as recreational fishers fully support MPA's, as it is in our long-term interest to ensure sustainable and diverse marine environments, BUT these areas must be based on sound science & proven fisheries management principals. We call on all politicians & policy makers to stop the LOCKOUT proposal and IF science proves that any conservation measures are REQUIRED, to utilize all other fisheries management tools & methods before the expansion &/or creation of any MPA's are considered.

To make input quick & painless - PETITION (30 seconds): >>SIGN HERE<<
Petition BACKGROUND

The FINAL EPWG public input meeting on this LOCKOUT proposal was Aug. 20th, but strong opposition from ~150 fishermen may force them to hold another meeting. They will then finalize their proposal & recommendations shortly thereafter. We will bring Petition signatures as input to this meeting & will send directly to the SAC, policy makers & politicians.

Please sign if you are attending the meetings or are from Florida OR NOT. It all helps!

Please share: FB Petition link

PETITION - In the MEDIA:PETITION - Save Florida Keys Fishing! | Outdoor-Alliance

The Petition IS WORKING & due to all of the resistance to the Proposal from fishermen, they have been forced to ADD 4 more meetings for PUBLIC INPUT.

The SAC website has heard the Petition & now states in it's meeting recommendations: "Do not include fishery management issues" because they know it's an argument that they can't win.

>>> We all need to show up to the meetings & stress the Petition statement that "MPA fishing closures should be based on Fisheries Management scientific data that justifies the LOCKOUT over all alternative options... & to utilize all other fisheries management tools & methods, before the expansion &/or creation of any MPA's are considered."

Meeting Dates and Locations - all meetings have 2 sessions, 5PM and 6:30PM

Monday, September 23 - Focus Area: Middle Keys
Key Colony Beach City Hall, 600 West Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051

Tuesday, September 24 - Focus Area: Upper Keys
Hilton Key Largo Resort, 97000 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037

Wednesday, September 25 - Focus Area: Lower Keys
Doubletree Grand Key Resort, 3990 South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040

Thursday, September 26 - Focus Area: Marquesas and Tortugas
Doubletree Grand Key Resort, 3990 South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040

>>> Please sign the PETITION & spread the word if you haven't: STOP THE PROPOSED FISHING LOCKOUTS IN THE FLORIDA KEYS! | Outdoor-Alliance