Latest news with #JohnRutherford
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Florida fishermen celebrate red snapper rule change, but leaders say the fight isn't over
Big changes are shaking up red snapper fishing in the South Atlantic, and Florida Congressman John Rutherford says it's a hard-fought win for the families who depend on the water for their way of life. NOAA Fisheries just released Amendment 59, scaling back a controversial proposal that would have temporarily banned bottom fishing across much of the Atlantic. Instead, the updated rule now limits recreational red snapper harvest to just under 23,000 fish and allows commercial boats a little more than 102,000 pounds. Captain Steve Mullen, a longtime Mayport charter fisherman, welcomed the decision. 'That was really a knee-jerk reaction that didn't need to happen,' Mullen said. 'Local fishermen are the best stewards of the fishery because we want the fish to survive.' Recreational anglers will get just two days to harvest red snapper this year — July 11 and 12 — with a one-fish-per-person limit. Commercial vessels can begin harvesting July 14 until the quota is met. Rutherford says Amendment 59 is a major step forward because it scraps the originally proposed three-month closure, which had drawn sharp criticism from politicians and the fishing community alike. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Previous coverage: New bill from local congressman would protect red snapper season The governors of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina sent a joint letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce urging NOAA to reconsider the original plan, accusing the agency of using outdated science and ignoring economic impacts. 'Seven, eight years ago when I came to Congress, people told me there were so many red snapper they could walk across their backs,' Rutherford said. 'We've known NOAA's data was off — and now they've finally admitted it.' The governors want more control at the state level, and Rutherford agrees, saying Florida has already shown it can successfully manage Gulf Coast snapper seasons. 'We've got to make sure Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina have the funding and authority to manage their own resources,' Rutherford said. He credits public pressure for forcing NOAA to back off its stricter plan — calling it a 'major victory' for Florida's 4 million anglers and the coastal families who rely on the fishery to survive. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Scoop
01-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
War Memorial Unveiled In Canterbury Town
The Canterbury town of Culverden was able to take its turn at hosting an Anzac Day service for the first time in four years on Friday. Amuri residents past and present travelled from far and wide to observe the unveiling of a new war memorial, a six-metre high Corten steel laser-cut soldier and poppy that will be lit up at night. The $150,000 project was made possible thanks to the legacy of the Rutherford family, which has been farming in the district since 1860. Duncan Rutherford built a drill hall in the town in 1902, donating it to the community for the mounted rifles to use for training. The hall served the community for 80 years until it was sold, with the proceeds put away for ''a special project''. ''This is that special project,'' Amuri Community Committee chairperson David Croft told the gathered crowd during the service. ''Those funds went a long way towards meeting our goal and it was made possible because of the generosity of so many businesses and individuals.'' Funding was also received from the Lotteries Commission, the council and a local community cull cow drive. A $5000 grant from the council's contestable fund allowed for two storyboards to be made, telling the stories of the men who gave their lives in the two world wars. The memorial is now taking pride of place in the Rutherford Railway Reserve. Duncan Rutherford's descendants came out in force, including his grandson, 103-year-old John Rutherford. John Rutherford was joined by some of his great-grandchildren to plant a tree to mark the occasion. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
