Bluefin Tuna and the $2.4 Billion Deepwater Horizon Settlement

[BigMarineFish.com]

As reported by the Washington Post this week
http://www.washingtonpost.com/nation...857_story.html, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) will be getting $2.4 billion as a settlement for the environmental effects of BP's Deepwater Horizon blowout which is to be used for "environmental restoration, preservation, and conservation efforts" throughout the Gulf of Mexico (details below).

The species hurt most by this disaster is the bluefin tuna which while already close to extinction was spawning just as the toxic oil was erupting. My recommendation to the NFWF on how to productively spend a small part of this money - a buyout of longliners that fish in the bluefin's spawning area in the north central Gulf of Mexico during that portion of the year (concentrated in May) when they are using it - can be found here http://www.bigmarinefish.com/Current_Actions.html.

NFWF Press Release

November 15, 2012 - Under the terms of the BP settlement agreement announced today by the U.S. Department of Justice, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) expects to receive $2.394 billion over five years from BP as part of its resolution of federal criminal charges stemming from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill.

The agreement must be approved by a federal judge before it becomes final.

NFWF will manage the funds in strict compliance with the terms of the final court-approved settlement. NFWF expects to direct the funds largely to projects, as described today by Attorney General Eric Holder, for "environmental restoration, preservation, and conservation efforts throughout [the Gulf] region – including barrier-island creation and river diversion projects in Louisiana."

"We will work collaboratively with government and private sector stakeholders to ensure these funds are spent effectively and transparently to achieve the best possible outcomes for the Gulf ecosystem, consistent with the terms of the settlement," said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. "To achieve this, we will rely heavily on our established, science-based strategy for identifying and selecting appropriate projects to receive funding, all aimed at ensuring a healthy future for our country’s richest marine ecosystem."

[Seth]

I would be thrilled to see the bluefin receive some much needed help. Somehow, I doubt this majestic fish will receive much attention. With all the hands that will be out, I am sure the money will be spread amongst the best enviro-pet projects in the region. I will rest easy knowing that NFWF "will rely heavily on our established, science-based strategy for identifying and selecting appropriate projects to receive funding". Is this the same approach NMFS uses in deciding most of their broad stroke strategy? We could sure use some more river diversion projects in Louisiana.

[BigMarineFish.com]

It was "our" bluefin that was affected most by the blowout and subsequent use of toxic dispersants. We'll just have to wait and see what gets attention with this "restoration" money. I've circulated this idea to those who should have interest and an ability to influence such decisions.

If others agree, let your members of Congress know what you think. Or better yet, see below.

[BigMarineFish.com]

Longliners Buyout

If others think the buyout is a good idea, they can simply write to the NFWF saying:

"I support the buyout" or "I support the buyout of longliners to protect bluefin spawning in the Gulf of Mexico."

If you operate a fishing-related business (especially in the Gulf of Mexico), include that.

If the NFWF received 50 letters supporting the idea, I think it would pay it serious attention.

My letter to the NFWF can be found here:

http://www.bigmarinefish.com/F&WL_Fo...n_11-17-12.doc

Jim Chambers
www.BigMarineFish.com

[BigMarineFish.com]

Well, it's been 40 days since I proposed using part of the $2.4 billion Deepwater Horizon settlement funds for a "buyout" of longliners to pay them not to fish each spring in the Gulf of Mexico when the bluefin - "our" bluefin - congregate to spawn ( see http://www.bigmarinefish.com/F&WL_Fo...n_11-17-12.doc. And it's been 30 days since I suggested that others could encourage the NFWF to fund this "buyout" by writing even a one sentence letter of support (see above).

So, after more than 1,400 have viewed this post, who's written?

[BigMarineFish.com]

Well, after more than 2,800 views of this thread and more than 5 months, no one has apparently lifted a finger to help our bluefin tuna, the best fish that ever lived, by writing in support of the allocation of funds for a buyout of longliners fishing on them in their spawning grounds.

Based on this abysmal performance, those who say sport fisherme are useless could well be right. It's an embarassment.

You get just what you deserve.