Rotary Club of Clearwater Meets with Captain Mike Colby
Photo by Dennis Eckel Captain Mike Colby, current Clearwater Commercial Marine Association representative to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, recently told members and guests of the Rotary Club of Clearwater that the future for fishing in the Gulf of Mexico has a positive outlook. Rotarian Robert Clark introduced Captain Colby as having a Masters Degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science, has been a contractor for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service for 16 years, and owns a Charter fishing boat, the "Double Hook" out of the Clearwater Marina. Colby spoke to the Rotary Club at a Wednesday noon meeting at the Belleair Country Club. He described the latest Federal rulings affecting fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. His presentation provided information on how the recreational fishery in Federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico is managed, and the current status of fish populations. The information given provided a unique look at how fishery managers gather and analyze data, build fishery management plans and implement those plans. The overall purpose of gathering and analyzing data is to maintain, preserve, and improve the quality of available fish stock. Captain Colby assured the Rotarians that they should have a positive outlook for producing a successful annual Kingfish Tournament in April 2011, a benefit for both fishermen and for local charities.
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