http://www.ccamississippi.org/ Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) of Mississippi is a non-profit grass-roots organization dedicated to the conservation of Mississippi’s Marine Resources. http://www.ccamississippi.org//aboutus.asp We are a non-profit grass-roots organization dedicated to the conservation of Mississippi’s Marine Resources. Founded in 1986, CCA Mississippi (then GCCA) has been instrumental in the banning all non degradable gill nets, establishing creel and size limits on speckle trout, redfish and flounder and ensuring good stewardship of Mississippi’s coastal resources. By joining CCA Mississippi, you will become part of the largest, most respected voice of proper stewardship of Mississippi’s marine resources. You will also receive a one-year subscription to CCA’s award winning publication – TIDE magazine. Your membership matters for the future of Mississippi’s bay and coastal waters.CCA HistoryMission StatementCCA National AccomplishmentsCCA Mississippi AccomplishmentsFrequently Asked QuestionsCCA Directors Officers http://www.ccamississippi.org//expages/directorsandofficers.asp Here are the 2012 Board of Directors and Officers: Board of Directors OfficersDavid OwensChairman of the Board Greg FaireyTreasurer Micheal SharpeSecretary Executive DirectorRome Emmons Board of DirectorsTristan ArmerBobby LambJ. Burns Smith Jr.Michael BaileyJohn T. Marquez, Jr. Larry StrohmBill BarnettNelson Morrison, IIDavid WellsNeil BroussardWill MurrayDick WilsonRandall BroussardLouis O'BannonErnie ZimmermanF. J. EickeRadale ReedOwen JohnsonCliff Russum http://www.ccamississippi.org//services.asp?service=14 Chapter Area: Biloxi and Diberville Chapter Officers: President -Neil Broussard Vice President -Randall Broussard 228-617-3176 rbroussard@merchantsfoodservice.com http://www.ccamississippi.org//services.asp?service=17 Chapter Area: all of Jackson County Lucedale Chapter Officers: Tristan Armer - President Derek Erickson - Vice President Mike Shaper - Treasurer mshaper@firstwithus.com Jason Payne - Banquet Chairman http://www.ccamississippi.org//events.asp?eventid=90 CCA MS Bay Chapter Meeting Thursday,May 3@ 6:30 P.M. SHAGGY'S Pass Christian Small Craft Harbor Cost - $ 5.00 per person- Boiled Crawfish Thursday afternoon shootout -May 10at Bay Marina, Start time - 3:00pm~Scale close 30 minutes after dark cost - $15 ($10 to pot $5 to meal) Kids under 15 fish free. For more info call: Owen (O. J.)Johnson@ 228-363-3264 or owen.johnson@att.net http://www.ccamississippi.org//events.asp?eventid=97 CCA MISSISSIPPI BILOXI BAY CHAPTER MEETING KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BUILDING 717 WATER STREET BILOXI, MS TUESDAY,JUNE 12 - 6:30 P.M. Meal - $5 - CASH BAR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: RANDALL BROUSSARD @ 228-617-3176 OR rbroussard@merchantsfoodservice.com http://www.ccamississippi.org//events.asp?eventid=101 CCA MISSISSIPPI CENTRAL MS CHAPTER'S ANNUAL FUNdraiser THURSDAY,APRIL 26TH@ 6:00 P.M. MISSISSIPPI AGRICULTURE FORESTRY MUSEUM - SPARKMAN AUDITORIUM 1150 LAKELAND DRIVE, JACKSON, MS DOOR PRIZES, AUCTIONS, GREAT FOOD, BEVERAGES AND FUN!! $55 per person (includesCCA membership)$85 per couple (includes one CCA membership) FOR MORE INFORMATION:Nelson Morrison, II@ 601-209-5858 Micha Mize @901-581-2489 E-MAIL - ccams@ccamississippi.org http://www.ccamississippi.org//events.asp?eventid=112 BAY CHAPTER'S THURSDAY AFTERNOON SHOOTOUTS MAY 10 The Shootouts will be held on the second Thursday of the month at Bay Marina. Start time - 3:00pm~Scale close 30 minutes after dark cost - $15 ($10 to pot $5 to meal) Kids under 15 fish free. DATES: MAY 10 JUNE 14 JULY 12 (tentative) AUGUST 9 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ERNIE ZIMMERMAN AT baybuzard@aol.com or 228-493-0737 http://www.ccamississippi.org//events.asp?eventid=119 http://www.ccamississippi.org//events.asp?eventid=120 http://www.ccamississippi.org//events.asp?eventid=121 http://www.ccamississippi.org//events.asp?eventid=122 BAY CHAPTER'S THURSDAY AFTERNOON SHOOTOUTS The Shootouts will be held on the second Thursday of the month at Bay Marina. Start time - 3:00pm~Scale close 30 minutes after dark cost - $15 ($10 to pot $5 to meal) Kids under 15 fish free. DATES: JUNE 14 JULY 12 (tentative) AUGUST 9 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ERNIE ZIMMERMAN AT baybuzard@aol.com or 228-493-0737 http://www.ccamississippi.org//events.asp?eventid=124 http://www.ccamississippi.org//expages/cca history.asp The CCA Story Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) is a non-profit organization comprised of 17 coastal state chapters spanning the Gulf of Mexico, Pacific and Atlantic seaboards. CCA’s strength is drawn from the tens of thousands of recreational saltwater anglers who make up its membership. From Puget Sound to South Texas to the Mississippi Coast to the upper reaches of Maine, CCA’s grassroots influence is felt through state capitals, U.S. Congress and, most importantly, in the conservation and restoration of our coastal marine resources. CCA began in 1977 after drastic commercial overfishing along the Texas coast decimated redfish and speckled trout populations. Fourteen concerned recreational anglers created the Gulf Coast Conservation Association to combat commercial fishing excesses and conserve the resource. CCA’s spirit of conservation and stewardship started with the “Save the Redfish” campaign and soon swept across the entire Gulf Coast. By 1985, Gulf-state chapters had formed from Texas to Florida. By decade’s end, state chapters were founded through the mid-Atlantic region, and by the early ‘90s, development of the New England state chapters was completed. In 2007, CCA opened chapters in Washington and Oregon, and today stands as a united Coastal Conservation Association with a presence on all three coasts. CCA has been active in virtually every national fisheries debate since 1984 and has participated productively in state and federal fisheries management issues for longer than two decades. CCA continues to operate as a three-tiered organization, affecting issues on the local, state and national levels. CCA’s unmatched breadth and depth of volunteer involvement has made it the largest marine conservation group of its kind. CCA’s grassroots network and unique combination of membership, fundraising and advocacy have enacted positive change on all levels of coastal marine conservation and management. When called into action, the impact of CCA’s grassroots machine is unparalleled. CCA’s presence in the federal court system has been critical in conserving America’s fisheries. CCA’s legal defense fund has been used to defend net bans and the implementation of by catch reduction devices, and to support pro-fisheries legislation and battle arbitrary no-fishing zones. CCA and its state-chapter network are engaged in hundreds of local, state and national programs and projects related to marine conservation, including initiating scientific studies, funding marine-science scholarships, building artificial reefs, creating finfish hatcheries, initiating hydrologic and contaminant studies, monitoring the quality and quantity of freshwater inflows, supporting local marine law enforcement and more. Through broad-based recreational angler support, a strong legal and Legislative presence, more than 25 years of experience and an unwavering vision for the future of U.S. and global marine resources, CCA will continue to battle for the health and longevity of our coastal fisheries and for recreational anglers’ interests in them. A Few Facts About COASTAL CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION CCA has more than 206 chapters of organized anglers throughout 17 coastal states with a current combined membership of more than 100,000, the highest level ever. CCA’s state and national staff members coordinate more than 400 chapter events and fundraisers each year.CCA has more than 80 state and national committees, 150 national board directors, more than 900 board members – on local, state, and national levels – and tens of thousands of active volunteers contributing to the organization's daily development and growth.CCA is recognized by fisheries managers as instrumental in the recovery of redfish, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, speckled trout, striped bass and Atlantic weakfish. CCA helped establish game fish status for billfish and redfish, net bans in four states, and the prohibition of many destructive gear types. We have been instrumental in establishing far-reaching conservation legislation on both the state and federal levels.CCA has an Advocacy Fund that has been used to defend net bans and bycatch reduction devices, support pro-fisheries legislation, and enforce existing regulations. CCA led the battle to protect recreational anglers’ freedom to fish. When it was adopted into law with passage of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Freedom to Fish language provided reasonable guidelines for the use of Marine Protected Areas by fishery managers and restricts the use of no-fishing zones for recreational fishermen to instances where all other fishery management tools have failed to fix the problem. CCA has two registered lobbyists in Washington D.C. and has been active in critical fisheries since 1984. We currently retain as many as 17 state and federal professional lobbyists.CCA members include two former U.S. Presidents, former Cabinet members, Congressmen, Senators, ICCAT Commissioners, Fishery Management Council members, Governors, State Legislators, and state and federal fisheries managers.CCA makes decisions from the bottom up, involving our membership in all regional and national policy positions. We operate as a three-tiered organization – local, state and national.CCA has an award-winning national publication, TIDE magazine, a special youth publication - Rising Tide, Lateral Lines eNewsletter, and numerous state newsletters. http://www.ccamississippi.org//expages/mission statement.asp Mission StatementThe stated purpose of CCA is to advise and educate the public on conservation of marine resources. The objective of CCA is to conserve, promote and enhance the present and future availability of these coastal resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public http://www.ccamississippi.org//expages/cca national accomplishments.asp PROHIBITED TRAWLING FOR TROUT (Texas 1978).Defined major-minor bait-producing bays, nursery areas (Texas 1979).Outlawed single-strand monofilament nets (Texas 1980).Protected billfish, except swordfish, from commercial harvest (Texas 1980).Outlawed gill, trammel nets (Texas 1990).Obtained game fish status for redfish, speckled trout (Texas 1981).John Wilson Hatchery completed (Texas 1982).Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (Maine) given authority to set limits on fish (Texas 1983).Obtained game fish status for redfish, speckled trout (Alabama 1984).Established saltwater stamp for anglers (Texas 1985).Halted commercial harvest of adult redfish in Gulf of Mexico (National 1986).Won game fish status for redfish, speckled trout (South Carolina 1986).Closed Apalachee, Blakeley rivers to shrimping; placed restrictions on gill nets (Alabama 1987).Obtained game fish status for marlin, sailfish (National 1988).Banned gill netting of flounder during spawning run (Alabama 1988).Won game fish status for redfish (Florida 1988).Banned possession of illegal fishing devices on or near Texas waters (Texas 1989).Prohibited sale of naturally raised, wild redfish (Texas 1989).Banned drift gill nets in South Atlantic (National 1990).Federal District Court upholds game fish status for billfish (National 1990).Intervened in lawsuit to uphold bans on fish traps, drift gill nets in South Atlantic (National 1991).Won approval of saltwater fishing license (Alabama 1991).Amendment to Louisiana Constitution approved, guaranteeing funds to preserve wetlands (Louisiana 1991).Won management of speckled trout (Louisiana 1991).Obtained permanent game fish status for redfish (Louisiana 1991).Won approval of saltwater fishing stamp (South Carolina 1991).Adopted no-harvest regulation for tarpon (Texas 1991).Minimum size, bag limits placed on cobia, amberjack, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, for commercial and recreational fishermen (Virginia 1991).Federal District Court upholds ban on drift nets in South Atlantic (National 1992).Formed Save Our Sealife Committee to get state constitutional amendment to limit marine net fishing in Florida waters (Florida 1992).Obtained game fish status for tarpon (Alabama 1993).Broke ground for SeaCenter Texas fish hatchery (Texas 1993).Established saltwater license (Virginia 1993).Created limited-entry plan for commercial fishing of black drum (Virginia 1993).Florida constitutional amendment limiting marine net fishing (Florida 1994).Stopped proposal to open sounds to shrimp trawling (Georgia 1994).Banned use of gill nets, purse seines in Presumpscot River (Maine 1994).Protected eel grass beds by prohibiting near-beach squid and scup dragging in Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds (Massachusetts 1994).Federal District Court approves ban on flynets in North Carolina (National 1995).Restricted use of gill nets (Alabama 1995).Outlawed most gill nets (Louisiana 1995).Intervened in Louisiana lawsuit challenging new gill net law (Louisiana 1995).Restricted use of gill nets in Kennebec River (Maine 1995).Placed minimum size, bag limit, commercial quota on speckled trout (Virginia 1995).Approved regulations requiring all commercial shrimpers operating in EEZ to use bycatch reduction devices (National 1996).Banned commercial gill nets in Old River (Alabama 1996). Banned use of tarp nets statewide (Florida 1996).Mandated bycatch reduction devices on all shrimp boats in northeast region (Florida 1996).Intervened in federal, state lawsuits to uphold Louisiana gill net ban (Louisiana 1996).Banned all non-biodegradable gill nets (Mississippi 1996).SeaCenter Texas opened, establishing world’s largest redfish hatchery (Texas 1996).Won commercial quota for bluefish (Virginia 1996).Mandated use of bycatch reduction devices on shrimp vessels (National 1997).Won adoption of bycatch reduction devices on shrimp boats (Georgia 1997).Obtained game fish status for cobia (Mississippi 1997).Secured $2.5 million from Bath Iron Works to remove Edwards Dam on Kennebec River (Maine 1997).Banned commercial fishing within one mile of barrier islands (Mississippi 1997).Restricted purse seining of menhaden in state waters (New York 1997).Outlawed use of gill, trammel nets for black fish (New York 1997).Won passage of Fisheries Reform Act, first comprehensive state fishery reform (North Carolina 1997).Passed first comprehensive state water plan (Texas 1997).Limited number of commercial crab licenses (Texas 1997).Won seat for recreational fishermen on Marine Resources Commission (Virginia 1997).Granted petition by National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) establishing blue, white marlin as overfished; 10-year recovery plan mandated (National 1998).Eliminated striped bass fishing in EEZ through striped Bass Act reauthorization (National 1998).Helped establish new state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Florida 1998).Mandated use of bycatch reduction devices on shrimp trawls in all state waters (Florida 1998).Created "Universal Fishing License," which includes saltwater as well as freshwater fishing (Georgia 1998).Obtained game fish status for shad (Maine 1998).Won no-sale regulation on black drum (Maryland 1998).Helped establish pro-conservation state Marine Fisheries Commission (North Carolina 1998).Intervened in federal lawsuit challenging NMFS requirement that shrimp trawlers pull bycatch reduction devices in Gulf of Mexico (Texas 1998).Won federal, state lawsuits upholding Louisiana’s gill net law (Louisiana 1999).Reduced number of commercial licenses sold to elver fishermen by 70 percent; shortened eel season by three weeks, removed 3,000 nets from Maine waters (Maine 1999).Created Marine Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee to advise state Department of Marine Resources (Maine 1999).Established limited-entry license management program for all finfish not under a management plan (Texas 1999).Eliminated kill citations for black, red drum (Virginia 1999).Stopped attempts to allow gill netting of striped bass along Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (Virginia 1999).Federal Court upholds requirement that Gulf shrimp trawlers pull bycatch reduction devices (National 1999).Helped draft and introduce the first comprehensive longline management bill in the 106th Congress (National 2000).Helped draft legislation that tightened regulations on the possession of illegal fishing gear (Mississippi 2000).Helped initiate the Freedom to Fish campaign to stop the arbitrary implementation of no-fishing zones (National 2000).Bycatch reduction devices become mandatory on shrimp trawls in Texas bays (Texas 2000).Sued NMFS to stop an arbitrary no-fishing zone off the Florida coast (National 2000).Played a critical role in the development and adoption of the first federal fishery management plan for mahi-mahi and wahoo (Florida 2000).Won federal court battle to maintain bycatch reduction devices in Gulf waters (National 2000).Sued NMFS in federal court to reduce excessive billfish, shark and turtle bycatch in Gulf and Atlantic longline operations (National 2000).Provided LDWF enforcement agents with navigation, global positioning and sonar equipment (Louisiana 2000). Raised grassroots funds to protect angler access along the New Hampshire coast (New Hampshire 2000).Successfully worked in establishing regulations to protect spawning groundfish (Maine 2000).Helped fund the creation of near-shore reefs along the Georgia coast (Georgia 2000).Successfully led opposition to closing Gray’s Reef to recreational fishing (Georgia 2000).U. S. Supreme Court issues final ruling upholding Louisiana’s 1995 gill-net ban (Louisiana 2001).Led efforts to set recreational size, creel limits for flounder; new licensing requirements for commercial gigging, commercial size limit, and annual commercial quota for flounder (Mississippi 2001).Reached favorable settlement in NMFS no-fishing zone suit, allowing recreational trolling in previously restricted area (National 2001).Successfully raised $450,000 in cash and in-kind donations to purchase and remove the Smelt Hill Dam (Maine 2001).Reorganization of Menhaden Management Board ends commercial-fishing industry control (National 2001).Texas’ most comprehensive water bill passes Texas legislature (Texas 2001). Helped retool a bill that would have allowed destructive hydraulic dredging of clams in Virginia waters (Virginia 2001).Launched Gulf-wide phone number – 866-WE ENFORCE – to report coastal game violations (Louisiana 2001).Worked through state legislature and private foundations to continue critical funding for Florida’s state saltwater hatchery, resulting in the 1,000,000th redfish fingerling released in Florida waters (Florida 2001).Opposed Texas Shrimp Association petition to close recreation red snapper season (National 2001).Successfully worked for passage of new redfish conservation regulations (South Carolina 2001).Launched first ever Texas crab trap removal (Texas 2002).Helped ensure areas around Mississippi’s barrier islands are included in Department of Marine Resources’ definition of areas closed to commercial fishing (Mississippi (2002).Mobilized to oppose expansion of commercial shrimp trawling in St. Johns River; commercial request was withdrawn (Florida 2002).Provided TPWD game wardens with night vision equipment (Texas 2002).Constructed Bird Island Artificial Reef (Louisiana 2002).Helped pass first major amendments to state manatee legislation in last 10 years, establishing measurable biological goals for manatees (Florida 2002).Convinced Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to begin rule-making process on use of multiple seine nets tied together and "toy boats" used to circumvent net restrictions (Florida 2002).Defeated initiative by commercial interests to allow commercial harvest of Cobia in Mississippi waters (Mississippi 2003).Funded an expanded TAMU study on spotted seatrout catch-and-release mortality (Texas 2003).Launched first-ever derelict crab trap removal program in the state (Louisiana 2004).Broke the $2 million mark in college and graduate scholarships awarded (Texas 2004).Won passage of the Coastal Recreational Fishing License (North Carolina 2004).Banned trawling in the Upper Mobile Bay shallows (Alabama 2004).Funded more than $530,000 in enforcement equipment and research needs for TPWD over past four years (Texas 2004).Secured grant money for oyster reefs in the Bay of St. Louis Biloxi Bay (Mississippi 2004).Championed efforts to restore southern flounder stocks through harvest reductions, size and bag limits, license requirements and seasonal closures (North Carolina 2004).Bay Debris Clean-up Project surpasses the 1,150 tons of harmful debris removed from Texas bay systems (Texas 2004).Worked through its representative on the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas to implement measures outlawing the practice of shark finning in the Atlantic (CCA National 2004).Instrumental in the effort to secure tideland funds for speckled trout hatchery (Mississippi 2004).One of four members of a cooperative effort called Menhaden Matter formed to investigate the status of menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay to ensure adequate populations for its role as forage base and filter feeder. (CCA National 2004).Intervened successfully in a case before the First District Court of Appeals attempting to circumvent the net ban and bring back gill nets (Florida 2005).Helped establish the first-ever hatchery for southern flounder (North Carolina 2005).Achieved stronger protection for large permit (Florida 2005).Defeated legislative initiative to reduce minimum size of speckled trout (Mississippi 2005).Successful passage of legislation to increase criminal penalties to a third degree felony for flagrant illegal gillnetting (Florida 2005).Worked with the Biscayne National Park Fishery Working Group to curtail and modify proposed no-entry and no-fishing zones (Florida 2005).Sued in U.S. District Court to end overfishing of red snapper by the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fleet (National 2005).Constructed an inshore reef in Perdido Bay with tons of clean concrete rubble (Alabama 2006).Won lawsuit in federal district court to block federal attempt to close all recreational fishing for all species of grouper for three months (Florida 2006).Donated enforcement equipment to Law Enforcement Division of the Department of Environmental Conservation (New York 2007).Integrally involved in the Oyster Shell Recycling Program to improve water quality and create habitat for fish (North Carolina 2007).Led successful national effort to keep open-loop LNG terminals out of Gulf of Mexico (National 2006).Won first-ever harvest cap on the industrial harvest of menhaden in Chesapeake Bay (Virginia Maryland 2006).Constructed Redfish Point Artificial Reef (Louisiana 2006).Funded $700,000 for construction of a state-of-the-art marine larviculture research lab (Texas 2007).Won a moratorium on river herring, allowing near-collapsed stocks chance to recover (North Carolina 2007).Launched chapters in Washington and Oregon to address marine conservation issues (National 2007).Partnered with Texas Parks Wildlife Department to retire $200,000 worth of commercial shrimping licenses (Texas 2007).Announced creation of the Building Conservation / Habitat Program (National 2007).Served integral role in the Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative to develop marine habitat enhancement projects (Maryland 2007).Won lawsuit in federal district court forcing NMFS to address shrimp trawl bycatch in the management of Gulf red snapper (National 2007).Instrumental in support of an Executive Order signed by the President ensuring federal agencies will manage recreational angling as a sustainable activity in all federal waters, including marine protected areas (CCA National 2008).Helped secure $4.5 million in federal funding to remove ghost nets from Puget Sound (CCA Washington 2009). Filed lawsuit against implementation of a catch share program for Gulf grouper (CCA National 2009).Helped organize a letter from four Gulf State governors to the Secretary of Commerce outlining concerns over the use of catch share programs in federal fisheries (CCA National 2009). Launched ballot initiative to ban gill nets from the Columbia River and require the use of selective gear in commercial harvest of salmon (CCA Oregon 2010). http://www.ccamississippi.org//expages/cca mississippi accomplishments.asp Restricted the use of entanglement (gill) nets. No commercial fishing within one mile of the barrier islands. Instrumental in obtaining commercial poundage quota on speckled trout, redfish, flounder and tripletail. Instrumental in setting size and creel limits for recreational anglers on speckled trout, redfish, flounder and tripletail. Obtain game fish status for Cobia. Assisted in the building of reefs in Biloxi Bay, Bay of St. Louis and, Jailhouse Reef. Defeated a bill to remove game fish status from Cobia. Instrumental in obtaining Tideland funds for the DMR/GCRL (SPEC) the Seatrout Population Enhancement Cooperative. As a result of the SPEC program, over 500,000 Seatrout have been released as of December 2011. Stop the demolition of Pass Marianne Light. Held tournaments where the Speckled Trout were kept alive and donated to the SPEC program for their hatchery. Establish the “Casting for Conservation” kids fishing tournament. CCA MS will hold four of these tournaments in 2012. http://www.ccamississippi.org//expages/frequently asked questions.asp A Guide to CCAHow are CCA’s political, fisheries and legislative positions established?Where does my membership and/or fundraiser contribution go?Does CCA employ biologists?Does CCA employ lobbyists?How do I find out what CCA is doing to conserve marine resources legislatively and in the fisheries management arena?Where do I get useful CCA state numbers? I signed up a while ago. Where is my membership package? What does the Advocacy Fund do? How can I help CCA? What are some of CCA’s accomplishments nationally? What are some of CCA Mississippi’s accomplishments? 1. How are CCA’s political, fisheries and legislative positions established?CCA makes all decisions from the bottom up, involving our membership in all policy positions. Through an extensive web of volunteer committees and boards, CCA’s state and/or national (depending on the issue) volunteer executive boards vote to adopt all policies and positions. Every position is based on facts, science, strategy and more than 30 years of conservation experience. back to top2. Where does my membership and/or fundraiser contribution go?The membership contribution goes into publishing and distributing (the bimonthly membership magazine) TIDE, retaining fishery consultants, maintaining a membership department, paying for our annual audit, supporting our federal lobbyists in Washington, D.C., educating and informing the membership, management officials and general public of key conservation issues, maintaining the CCA Mississippi and CCA National websites, creating the CCA National eNewsletter Lateral Lines, funding local outreach, habitat restoration projects, research projects, and so much more. back to top3. Does CCA employ biologists?Yes, CCA employs Gulf, Atlantic and Pacific fisheries consultants to monitor key recreational issues on national and regional levels. Additionally, a number of CCA state chapters employ biologists to deal with state fishery issues. CCA relies on data from state, federal and academic sources, but has supported and funded research (on both a state and national level) to provide greater insight into marine resource issues and problems. back to top4. Does CCA employ lobbyists?Yes. CCA has two registered lobbyists in Washington, D.C., and we currently retain as many as 17 state and federal professional lobbyists. back to top5. How do I find out what CCA is doing to conserve marine resources legislatively and in the fisheries management arena?There are several sources to find out CCA’s legislative involvement on both a state and federal level. Review TIDE Magazine TIDE-Bits, the CCA National eNewsletter Lateral Lines, and your CCA Mississippi publications for local information, the CCA Mississippi Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ccamississippi, the CCA Mississippi monthly eNewsletter and periodic mailings. The Advocacy section of the CCA national web page and TIDE feature articles, national TIDE-Bits and columns are great sources for timely national updates. For updates on Gulf, Atlantic and Pacific fisheries issues, go to the CCA Fisheries tab of the CCA National web site. back to top6. Where do I get useful CCA Mississippi chapter contact information?Go to the Chapters section of the CCA Mississippi webpage for a list of chapter contacts. back to top7. I signed up a while ago. Where is my membership package?In order to put more of your money to work on conservation efforts, CCA utilizes bulk rate postage to distribute your membership package. Depending on time of year, processing time and the post office delivery schedule, arrival times vary. If you have waited more than six weeks and received no correspondence, call 1-800-201-3474. back to top8. What does the Advocacy Fund do?The Advocacy Fund was established to keep the concerns of CCA’s membership represented in critical marine resource conservation issues. “The Fund has given CCA the ability to add the courts as places to promote conservation and the interests of recreational anglers,” said Bob Hayes, CCA’s general counsel. “If you are not willing to defend good conservation in court, you are wasting your time trying to get good conservation decisions.”With the help of the Advocacy Fund, CCA’s voice grows louder in the continued legal battle for proper conservation. CCA’s legal counsel has used these funds to challenge threats to overfished red snapper, grouper, weakfish, marlin, and shark stocks, implement and maintain critical bycatch reduction measures in the Gulf and Atlantic, and combat destructive commercial fishing gear. You can make your tax-deductible contribution by calling 1-800-201-FISH. back to top9. How can I help CCA?The best way any member can help is to get involved on a local level. Call or email your chapter contacts to find out about their meeting and event schedule or review the “Events” section on the website to determine when the next meeting will be held. If there is not a local chapter, ask what you can do to start one. Through local fundraising events, membership meetings and fishing tournaments, CCA state chapters plant their grass roots. This process enables you to become involved in the mechanism that makes CCA so successful on a local, state, and national level. back to top10. What are some of CCA's greatest accomplishments in all states?Below is a short list of notable CCA achievements. Click HERE for a comprehensive listing of CCA accomplishments: Game fish status for speckled trout and redfish in Texas Removal for monofilament gillnets in Texas Net ban in Florida Game fish status for redfish in Louisiana Banned commercial harvest of redfish in the Gulf of Mexico Presidential Executive Order making redfish and striped bass game fish in federal waters Successful in suit to make NMFS address red snapper bycatch in the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fleet Creation of the Laboratory for Marine Larviculture at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute Freedom to Fish language in Magnuson-Stevens Act Banned drift nets in the South Atlantic 11. What are some of CCA's accomplishments in Mississippi?Below is a short list of notable CCA Mississippi achievements. Click HERE for a comprehensive listing of CCA accomplishments: Conducted “live catch” speckled trout tournaments to provide the brood stock for the Gulf Coast Research Lab fish hatchery resulting in the release of over 400,000 speckled trout fingerlings in Mississippi’s coastal waters. Ensured that ruble from Hurricane Katrina was saved and used to make local artificial reefs and hard bottom habitat along the Mississippi coast. Conducted “Casting for Conservation” youth education fishing rodeos throughout the Mississippi coast to introduce children to the sport of fishing, safety, gear, fish handling and conservation. http://www.ccamississippi.org//news.asp?newsid=98 THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPIGulf Coast Research Laboratory, Public Information OfficeNEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release 5/2/2012 GCRL receives check from local CCA chapter Ocean Springs, MS – The Bay St. Louis chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) will be presenting a check to the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Garfield Ladner Memorial Pier in Waveland. Representatives from both GCRL and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (DMR) will be in attendance to receive the donation. The check, in the amount of $2500, will be used for general equipment and supplies that support the rearing, tagging, releasing and post-release monitoring of spotted Sea trout. The Pilot Stocking program, a partnership between GCRL and the DMR, tests the effectiveness of using hatchery-raised fish to enhance Mississippi’s Sea trout population. The spotted Sea trout, Cynoscion nebulosus, known locally as speckled trout, is one of Mississippi’s chief sport fishes. GCRL has long been involved in the development of culture and stocking programs for several recreational finfish species. The lab has built a knowledge base about spotted Sea trout age and growth, reproduction and seasonal movements. A strong relationship exists between the lab and groups such as the CCA, especially through enlisting volunteer anglers in tag-and-release programs. The money for the donation came from the 5th annual Ernie Zimmerman Friends and Family Live Catch tournament held in December of 2011. Some of the fish caught in this tournament went to support the speckled trout population in the Mississippi Sound by providing brood stock. The CCA will be hosting a Casting for Conservation Kid’s Fishing Rodeo on Saturday, May 5th from 8:00am to Noon at the Garfield Ladner Memorial Pier in Waveland. The rodeo is free to all children ages 5-13 and lunch will be provided. There will be lessons for the children on conservation, knot-tying, casting and water safety just to name a few. For more information about the rodeo, please contact Owen Johnson at 228-363-3264, owen.johnson@att.net The CCA’s stated purpose is to advise and educate the public on conservation of marine resources. The objective of CCA is to conserve, promote and enhance the present and future availability of these coastal resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public. For press inquiries, contact Martha Brown at martha.brown@usm.edu or (228) 872.4254. *** http://www.ccamississippi.org//expages/startournament.asp TBD http://www.ccamississippi.org//expages/about star.asp http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=56 Enjoying the food and social time http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=56 It's a family thing http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=56 Bay Chapter meeting - May 3, 2012 http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=56 Bay Chapter Member - John Zimmerman Ship Island Chapter President - Johnny Marquez http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=56 Chef Joe Castoro with his award. http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=56 Bay Chapter's President - Owen (O. J.) Johnson Bay Chapter's Vice President - Ernie Zimmerman http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=56 Bay Chapter's Award - Thanks to ChefJoe Castoro http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=56 Bay Chapter's new members http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=56 Shaggy's - our host for the May meeting http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=58 2012 Casting for Conservation - Bay Chapter http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=58 2012 Casting for Conservation - Bay Chapter http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=58 2012 Casting for Conservation - Bay Chapter http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=58 2012 Casting for Conservation - Bay Chapter http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=58 2012 Casting for Conservation - Bay Chapter http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=58 2012 Casting for Conservation - Bay Chapter http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=58 2012 Casting for Conservation - Bay Chapter http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=58 CCA Bay Chapter donated $ 2,500 to the Gulf Coast Research Lab Funds were raised from the Ernie Zimmerman Family and Friends Tournament http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=58 2012 Bay Chapter - Casting for Conservation http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=58 2012 Bay Chapter - Casting for Conservation http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=58 2012 Bay Chapter - Casting for Conservation http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=58 2012 Bay Chapter - Casting for Conservation http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=58 2012 Bay Chapter - Casting for Conservation http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=58 2012 Bay Chapter - Casting for Conservation http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=58 2012 Bay Chapter - Casting for Conservation http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=58 2012 Bay Chapter - Casting for Conservation http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=58 2012 Bay Chapter - Casting for Conservation http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=58 2012 Bay Chapter - Casting for Conservation http://www.ccamississippi.org//gallery.asp?category=58 2012 Bay Chapter - Casting for Conservation http://www.ccamississippi.org//events.asp?eventid=125 CCA MISSISSIPPI LIVE CATCH TROUT TOURNAMENTTo provide spawning stock to theSpotted Seatrout Population Enhancement Consortium (SPEC)When: Saturday, May 19th - (First Light to 12:00 p.m.)Where: Biloxi Boardwalk MarinaEntry Fee: FREE (All anglers must be CCA member) Membership Forms Available at the Captains MeetingDivisions: Men, Women, YouthPrizes: 1st, 2nd, 3rd for each division (Speckled Trout 14-18 inch slot) Rods Reels, Costa Glasses, Yeti Coolers MoreBoundary: Biloxi Bay, Deer Island, East to Bellfontaine Beach LightCaptains Meeting: 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 18th (mandatory)For a complete flyer, prize list and additional information visit www.ccamississippi.org or www.facebook.com/ccamississippi or call Johnny Marquez at (228) 223-8476.Hosted by Biloxi Bay, Horn Island Ship Island Chapters of CCA MississippiClick on the flyer for more details. http://www.ccamississippi.org//news.asp?newsid=99 Casting For Conservation received fantastic media coverage by the Mississippi Press. Click on the link to read the article online by Gulflive.com or download the PDF article.