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Pound Net Flyer in opposition being circulated. [2pg PDF]

Letter SDCC to VMRC opposing application:

November 24, 2008

Deputy Commissioner Jack Travelstead
VMRC Fisheries Management Division
2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor
Newport News, Virginia 23607

Subject: Opposition to the requests (October 6th and 31st) for 4 new pound pole fishing licenses off the shores of Cape Henry Beach in Virginia Beach.

Dear Mr. Travelstead,

I am sending this letter on behalf of the Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC), an umbrella organization of civic and community associations representing approximately 8000 homes in the Bayfront area of Virginia Beach.  At its November 24th general meeting, the SDCC voted unanimously to oppose the 4 new pound pole fishing licenses applied for on October 6th and October 31st for nets located off the shores of Cape Henry Beach (between the Lynnhaven Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean).

The community bases this opposition on the following concerns:
·      Adverse impact to the recreational use of these waters.
·      Increased safety concerns for boaters and kayakers.
·      Increased potential to harm or kill protected marine life.
·      Potential to overfish an area that already has restrictions on existing pound nets.

In addition to opposing these new licenses, the SDCC requests the VMRC to change legislation and code to prohibit any future licenses from being acquired off the shores of Virginia Beach.  This request is based on the fact that the Virginia Beach shorelines are the most densely populated sections in the City of Virginia Beach and that any new pound nets in these areas will result in the same problems mentioned above.

Thank you for your time and for listening to our concerns.  If you have any questions, I can be reached at 667-8533 Cell or todd@sdcc.info

Sincerely,

Todd R. Solomon
Shore Drive Community Coalition, President

Distribution:

Mayor Oberndorf
Mr. Clay Bernick
City Council Members
Mr. Kal Kassir, BAC Chairman
Mr. Jim Spore