Your Voice Matters: How To Comment in Fisheries Conversations

To the uninitiated, stepping into the fisheries policy space can feel daunting. Many “first timers” can relate. They’re drawn to this world through their passion for fishing and the experiences they dearly cherish. The first time commenting can be nerve racking, but when you get a chance to contribute to protecting things you love, those nerves quickly subside to feelings of empowerment and fulfillment. For those who want to get more involved, here are some helpful tips for crafting an effective public comment:

Tips for Crafting a Strong Public Comment

1. Prepare a Statement: Having your comment prepared in advance is crucial. Going off the cuff can lead to rambling or diluting your message. Practice your statement to ensure it’s clear and impactful.
2. Know the Agenda: Familiarize yourself with the topics being discussed at the meeting. Understanding the agenda you aim to convey will help you comment at the appropriate time and stay relevant to the discussion. While each meeting can be structured differently, moderators should be explicit in stating when they are accepting public comments & on which actions/topics.
3. Know Your Audience: Understanding who will be in the room is key to framing your message. Your audience may include policymakers, agency staff, industry representatives and fellow conservationists. Tailor your comments to resonate with their interests and concerns, increasing the likelihood that your message will be considered. For example, if a conversation has largely been dominated by economics at a meeting, it doesn’t change the value of your voice if you’re not a business owner. Feel free to include a statement about your contributions to this economy every season. If a conversation is being driven by scientists, referencing a piece of the research that supports your stance will give you some credibility and show you’re up to date.
4. Be Aware of Time Limits: Most meetings allow public comments ranging from 1 to 3 minutes. Knowing your time limit is essential since you’ll only have one chance to speak. As a guideline, a 3-minute comment is approximately 400 words. While it may feel weird, practicing is important. A slow tempo & dramatic pauses may sound more impactful, but if you have a lot to say, it could be the reason you get caught off.
5. Support Your Points with Science: Policy is often driven by science, so it’s important to root your arguments in the latest research. While personal anecdotes can be valuable, they should be supplemented with evidence to strengthen your case.
6. Be Respectful and Diplomatic: Fisheries issues can be emotionally charged, but it’s crucial to maintain a respectful tone. Your goal is to facilitate change, not to incite anger. Fisheries managers often face hostility, so a well-reasoned, factual comment is more likely to be taken seriously. This is also an opportunity to build a relationship with your state’s decision-makers.
7. Add a Personal Touch: Share your connection to the fishery. Whether you own a business, represent an industry brand, are a guide or simply enjoy recreational fishing, your personal experiences can add valuable perspective to your comment.
8. Clearly State Your Support: When fisheries meetings present different policy options, clearly articulate which you support. State the option, position, or purpose clearly and in your introduction. This clarity helps avoid confusion and ensures your message is understood. For example, if your main message is you support the implementation of a proposed slot size, ensure your comment very explicitly begins or ends with “I support Option B, a slot from X-Y”, for the 20XX season”.

Anatomy of a Public Comment:

• Introduction: State your name, where you’re from, and any relevant information about your role as a stakeholder.
• State Your Support: Clearly indicate what you are in favor of (e.g., “I support option 2”).
• Provide Supporting Points: Present 3-4 talking points that highlight the science behind your stance and explain why you support it.
• Conclusion: Wrap up your thoughts and restate your position.

Example Comment:

“Good Afternoon Board Members,

Thank you for the opportunity to speak regarding the newly proposed regulations for this fish species. I am here to voice my support for Option B. I am a recreational angler that spends multiple weeks every fall chasing these incredible fish. My father and I have made this trip every fall for the last seven years, bringing business to local guides, tackle shops and marinas. If this fishery continues to trend downward, we will likely choose to take our annual trips elsewhere. I support Option B, a new slot limit from XX-YY inches, because I believe it will protect crucial year classes that can support the long term rebuilding of this fishery. As the science shows, the “XX” year class is our most abundant in recent years. My family loves being a part of this angling community. We hope our grandchildren get this same opportunity. For them to do so, we need to manage with the goal of long-term abundance. Please support Option B.“

Final Thoughts

Its understandable why some have reservations about jumping into the fisheries management process. These conversations can be dense with research and operate at fast pace. Even so, your participation is all the more critical to ensuring our fisheries are managed up to our standards. We are all stakeholders. Giving a public comment is a powerful way to participate and advocate for what you care about. The public comment process is an open forum. There should be no “gotcha moments” or post-comment quizzes. Stakeholders have the opportunity to express their views and step back for the next to do so. While some may have the “gift of gab”, no one is born a great public speaker. It takes a little practice. If you are willing to try, you can make a difference. Remember, effective public comments can influence policy and raise awareness about important fisheries issues, so don’t hesitate to make your voice heard. If you don’t speak up, then who will?