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> While it is certainly true that we should not instantly assume that any
> decline in stock is due to fishing, it is also true that when a steep decline
> is observed, we should immediately adopt a highly precautionary stance and cut
> fishing back in a manner that tracks the most conservative assumptions about
> the potential for compensatory regrowth in the population.   Fishing at a
> nonsensical MSY during climatically forced population booms and busts is just
> as silly as blaming the flux on fishing.  You don't want to be caught doing
> either.

Les

--

Les Kaufman
Professor of Biology
Boston University Marine Program
And
Center for Ecology and Conservation Biology
617 353 5560 office
617 353 6965 lab
[log in to unmask]

"I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully."
George Bush

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