To: Alabama Legislators, Alabama Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources This letter is to inform the legislature and the fisheries management of the State of Alabama, that I oppose the banning of gill and entangling nets. It is my opinion that the push by Sportsfishing access groups to ban such gear is based in politics and prejudice instead of science. Nor is there any genuine consideration by such groups for the economic wellbeing or cultural identity of the Commercial Fishing families that would be adversely affected by such a ban. The Alabama gillnet fishery provides fresh seafood to many local markets which in turn are bought by the nonboating/nonfishing public many whom have neither the means nor desire to fish for themselves. Banning gill and entangling nets would equate to banning these citizens their right to the resource. It is also my opinion that the gillnet fishery in the State of Alabama is already being sufficiently managed and regulated. I believe that this is another attempt by sportsfishing access groups to reallocate the resource for their membership and has no real grounds in conservation. As a citizen of the great State of Alabama, I reject and oppose a ban on gill and entangling nets. I ask you, the Alabama legislatures to do likewise. Please give your name and county.

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