May 12, 2009
To Whom It May Concern:
The editorial staffs of ESPN Outdoors, including ESPNOutdoors.com and ESPN Saltwater Series Magazine have been following with special interest recent developments in the controversy over gill netting and the proposal to award game fish status to Red Drum and Spotted Sea Trout in North Carolina.
Recent articles on the Web site, ESPNOutdoors.com, “Enmeshed in controversy: Untangling the truth about North Carolina’s gill nets” and “Specks in nets,” were news articles intended to present both sides of the controversy. They do not represent the views or opinions of the staff and leadership of ESPN Outdoors and must not be construed as “taking sides” in the debate.
As a multimedia organization that serves America’s outdoor sportsmen, we support initiatives that increase recreational fishing opportunities. In the saltwater arena, we have observed the successes of similar restrictions on commercial harvest of saltwater sportfish in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina and other states where redfish and speckled trout populations have rebounded thanks to responsible resource management.
We believe it is in the best interests of our readers and viewers as well as outdoor sportsmen and their families, to set aside Red Drum and Spotted Sea Trout for recreational anglers by according game fish status to these outstanding sportfish.
Sincerely,
Dave Precht
Senior Director
BASS/ESPN Outdoors
Post Office Box 10,000 • Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Representing a large group of the saltwater recreational fishermen who in 2006 generated $2.5 Billion in sales to NC businesses, supported 23,782 jobs in NC, and generated $780 million dollars in salaries and wages to NC workers!
Number of visitors since 1/15/2009
Dolphin killed by NC Gill Net
About Us
- CFRG Admin
- The CFRG believes in: *Science Based Fisheries Management. *Banning of Destructive Fishing Gear. *Game Fish Status for Speckled Trout, Red Drum, and Striped Bass.
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