Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44constraints. Capt. Ray Rosher cited an example as the misconception of regulations governing the sale of fish caught within Florida waters (within three miles of the east coast) versus the sale of fish caught within federally managed waters (beyond three miles offshore). Capt. Rapp noted that where fish were caught and perhaps where they were sold will likely matter so much that it further complicates the situation. The discussion progressed to realizing that com- mercially caught fish must go through a licensed seafood dealer is probably a good thing to assure quality control of what eventually gets eaten; but including agreement on how they should be counted with regard to catch quotas may become too knotty a problem. Availability of fish like dolphin along the continental shelf (quite narrow and more often within state waters in south Florida, but also beyond three miles, thus within federal waters farther north) just aggravates the situation. Hartig added that when tracing a seafood product’s quality assur- ances through strict handling procedures it will be difficult to differentiate how and where it was caught. Jimmy Hull, owner of a vertically integrated seafood enterprise in Ormond Beach, FL, offered comments, which supported a suggestion by Capt. Rosher that bore further consideration.  Perhaps the best approach would be to strictly limit the sale of fish caught by boats-for-hire in Florida only by a licensed seafood dealer. Perhaps seafood dealer li- censes that require inspection and certification could be extended to charter boats that would adhere to the same  regulations. Would it be possible to develop a business plan stressing the professionalism of such charter boat enterprises, which incorporates those enterprises into fishing responsibly for fun and profit?  Twyford noted the marketing advantage to both residents and visitors to southeast Florida of promoting any certified charter boat catches to attract both fishing customers and customers of restaurants and seafood markets receiving a portion of the surplus catch. Several of the attending fishery scientists (current and retired) commented that such a step would better define a unique segment of the recreational fishery. Subsequent monitoring of the catches of that distinctive fishery to as- sess the status of the portion of the fish stock vulnerable to it would facilitate a better understanding of the fishing mortality attributed to it. Rusty Hudson, a SFA consul- tant from Daytona Beach, noted that there is a definite need for better science and more confidence in the strength of data being provided to the SAFMC. Council Chairman, Hartig, remarked that it is possible to “outlive your opinion” as more insight into the nature of any fishery is enhanced. In that regard, a consolidated effort by all segments of our fishing industry is required to aid in fishery management council deliberations. WPBFC Scientific Advisor, John Jolley, remarked at the close of this meeting that: “Today a first step was taken to find common cause for commercial and recreational fishermen to help responsibly fish in a manner which will sustain the valuable resource in which they have invested their lives and family fortunes." Pete Schulz invited the group to return in a year to report what all anticipate will be successful teamwork. Participants gather for Professional Fisherman's Summit at the WPBFC clubhouse. About the author:  Dale S. Beaumariage, now retired, lives in Golden, Colorado.  He has served in various capacities with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Fannie Mae Software Systems and the University of Georgia Sea Grant Program.  Notably, he spent 17 years of public service from 1963 until 1980 with the Florida Department of Natural Resources, which included work as a ma- rine scientist, laboratory supervisor, and research administrator in St. Petersburg and Tallahassee, respectively. Experience gained during legislative deliberations in Tal- lahassee, and service on the Scientific & Statistical Advisory Committees of both the Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils elicited recognition that skill in communicating technical information often is as valuable as the information content.  Such realiza- tion prompted acquisition of a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Georgia in 1985 to supplement a B.S. in Biology earned at Florida State University in 1963.  Most recently, Mr. Beaumariage was engaged (2010 – 2013) as a volunteer advisor to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s ACCSP. Currently, Dale is a member of the West Palm Beach Fishing Club and Southeast- ern Fisheries Association; and an ardent seafood consumer.