My name is Jay Cranford. Owner/Captain at Coastal GA Fishing on the Atlantic coast. We have dozens of Captains that work with us and the majority of them bottom fish. The closure of bottom fishing in the Atlantic Ocean will have a significant impact on the charter industry, particularly for those operations, like ours that focus on bottom-dwelling species like grouper, snapper, sea bass and other reef fish. Here are a few potential effects that will directly impact us:

Loss of Revenue from Target Species: Many of our charter boats rely on bottom fishing as a primary activity for clients. If specific species are no longer accessible, this could lead to a reduction in the types of trips offered, potentially lowering client satisfaction and income for our operators.

Shift in Fishing Activities: We would then need to adapt by shifting to other types of fishing, such as trolling or deep-water fishing for pelagic species like tuna or marlin. This would mean investing in new equipment, modifying operations, and even adjusting pricing to reflect the change in fishing style and target species. Some of the Captains would not be able to financially do that and would be forced out of business.

Increased Costs: With bottom fishing closed, our charter boats will have to travel further to access other fishing grounds, leading to higher fuel costs and longer trip durations. This will affect pricing for clients, making trips more expensive and less attractive to some customers.

Impact on Customer Demand: Regular clients who are specifically interested in bottom fishing might seek alternative activities or other destinations where bottom fishing is still allowed, destroying our fishing based tourism. This will lead to a decrease in income and demand for our Captains, particularly with anglers who prioritize catching bottom-dwelling species.

In summary, while the closure will not only hurt certain aspects of the charter industry, it will also impact tackle shops, bait houses, boat dealers, marinas, fishing license sales, etc.

Thank you SAFA for being here for us and giving us a voice. We are hoping some common ground can be reached to protect the recreational fisherman, charter captains, and our fisheries that will include the proper management and balance of use for generations to come.