Comment from vogelsong, jason

Thank you for forwarding the Request for Information (RFI) from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) concerning the potential use of the Outer Continental Shelf for offshore space launch and re-entry activities. I am drafting a response to this RFI and wanted to share the critical points I intend to raise, particularly regarding the commercial rock shrimp fishing industry. The current space launch activities, especially those originating from Cape Canaveral, Florida, already exert significant financial and operational pressures on our commercial rock shrimp fishing sector. Our industry operates within a naturally constrained fishing season, making any interruptions exceptionally detrimental. The mandated evacuations of productive trawling grounds in advance of these launches result in substantial economic losses. These include not only the direct loss of valuable fishing time, which directly impacts potential catch volumes and revenue, but also the considerable expense of fuel required to move vessels out of designated safety zones and then return to fishing areas. This constitutes a severe financial burden and an inefficient use of resources during an already compressed and demanding fishing period within historic grounds. To address these tangible and recurrent negative impacts, I believe it is imperative that BOEM consider establishing a structured mechanism for fair compensation. Specifically, a system for reimbursing commercial fishing operations for documented lost catch time and the fuel costs incurred during mandatory evacuations from traditional and profitable fishing grounds is essential. Such measures are crucial for alleviating the considerable economic strain placed upon a vital component of our regional seafood industry. Thank you once again for sharing this important information. Sincerely, Captain Jason Vogelsong