Rallies planned to protest fisheries’ closures
FORT WALTON BEACH — Local fishermen will speak out this week against federal regulations that have locked down fisheries.
At 10 a.m. Monday, they will gather at the corner of U.S. Highway 98 and Perry Avenue in Fort Walton Beach for a peaceful protest “against fish closures in general,” said Destin charter boat Capt. Greg Marler.
The busy corner has been more noted for panhandlers in the last year or so.“We need a good showing,” said Marler, who asks that all recreational fishermen — private and charter — stand at the intersection and bring a sign if possible.
The fishermen are protesting the National Marine Fisheries Service’s recent decision to which shut down the greater amberjack fishery to recreational anglers in federal waters. The feds closed the red snapper fishery in August.
ON Saturday,November 7 the Destin Charter Boat Association will form a flotilla in Destin Harbor from 10 a.m. until noon, followed by a rally at the Fishermen’s Co-Op, according to charter Capt. Mike Eller.
“There will be banners on all the boats” in protest of the closures, Eller said. The association asks that all recreational fishermen join in to show their support. “We’re calling it a ‘Rally for Recreational Anglers,’ ” Eller said. What the fishermen really need is help from congressional representatives, Eller said. “It falls directly on our congressmen,” he said.
