Lockwiki - User contributions [en]

Help:Contents

2012-07-03T07:37:06Z

Lovoogr: /* You have rights in dealing with collectors of old debts */ new section

= Help:Contents =

Thank you for visiting Lockwiki! This page has information that should help you get started with browsing, searching, and contributing to the site. Further help is available in the Help namespace, see [http://www.tendwatches.com replica watches ] for a full list of Help pages.

__TOC__

== Browsing & Searching Lockwiki ==

Lockwiki is free to browse, without requiring users to log in. If you are new to locksport, locksmithing, or physical security in general, the [http://www.tendwatches.com replica watches ] has many links that will help you get started. If you know what you are looking for, the search bar on the left of the page can be used to search the site. The Go button will redirect you to the first result found, and the search button will list all possible matches. If no match is returned you will be prompted to modify your search criteria.

By default Lockwiki only searches the "Main" and "Image" namespaces, which means that Category, Help, and Lockwiki (policies/site information) pages are not included. Depending on what you are searching for, including these in your search may be helpful. If you are a logged in user you can modify the default search namespaces by changing your "Search" options at [[Special:Preferences]].

It might also be easier to browse by looking at the list of [[Special:Categories|all categories]] or [[Special:AllPages|all pages]].

== Contributing to Lockwiki ==

Anyone can contribute to Lockwiki, with or without registering an account. It is recommended that you use an account to contribute, because otherwise your network IP address information is stored publicly on Lockwiki pages. See the [[Lockwiki:Privacy policy]] for more information.

Make sure that all contributions follow Lockwiki's [[Lockwiki:Copyrights|copyright policies]] as well as those of the United States and your country.

In some cases, excessive spamming or vandalism on a page forces it to be [[Lockwiki:Blocking_policy|blocked]] from anonymous edits. In other cases, the page is deemed high-profile or otherwise sensitive and editing is restricted to [[Lockwiki:Administrators|administrators]] (for example, most [[:Category:Lockwiki Policies|Lockwiki policies]]).

=== How can I contribute? ===

There are many ways to contribute to Lockwiki, all of which are helpful to the site and those that read it.

; Create new pages
: To create a page: click a red link, visit the page directly (via URL), or search for it. Once you get to the page, you can start adding information to the page. Please use [[Help:Editing]] for style and editing guidelines. You can visit [[Special:WantedPages]] for a list of linked to but uncreated pages. [[Lockwiki:Requested_articles]] also lists reader/editor requests for new pages.

; Edit existing pages
: To edit an existing page, click the edit link at the top of the page. Many pages are lacking information that would make them more informative and interesting. The best example are stubs; articles that don't have enough information. For more information on tagging, creating, and expanding stubs, see [[Help:Stubs]].

; Categorize pages
: Categories are an important part of Lockwiki that allow users to quickly find relevant information on a particular topic. You can contribute by properly categorizing articles either by adding them to existing categories or creating new categories for them to be added to. Please see [[Help:Editing]] for guidelines on categorization.

; Upload images
: High quality images are a great way to contribute to the site. To upload a file, you must be logged in and a [[Special:Upload|Upload File]] link will appear in your toolbox on the left side under the navigation menu. Various filetypes are restricted for security reasons, so you'll need to keep your image in one of the following common formats: jpg, png, gif. For more help with images see [[Help:Images]].

; Expand Help pages
: The Help namespace (that you're reading right now) can always use extra help to make Lockwiki more thoroughly documented. This follows the same rules as editing normal pages, but with the stipulation that they should be geared to helping editors or readers learn about or use the site. To see all existing Help pages, visit [[:Category:Help]].

; Non-technical contributors
: You don't need to have a massive lock collection or be an expert locksmith to contribute to the site. There are many other ways you can help:
:* Lockwiki logo designs
:* Graphics; Lockwiki themed buttons, vector art, and lock diagrams
:* Web design; new or improved CSS and Wiki templates
:* Grammar and spelling corrections to any part of the site
:* Notify [[Lockwiki:Administrators|administrators]] of any copyright material on this site, or of improperly used Lockwiki material on another site
:* Promote the site! Add a link to Lockwiki.com on your peronsal website/forum/blog

; Donations
: The best way to support Lockwiki is by contributing high quality articles and images. If you prefer to help by donating money for web hosting and other expenses, please [[Lockwiki:About#Contact_Us|contact us]].

== Contacting Lockwiki ==

:''See [[Lockwiki:About#Contact_Us|About Lockwiki (Contact Us)]].

== See also ==
* [[:Category:Help]]
* [[Help:Editing]]
* [[Lockwiki:About|About Lockwiki]]
* [[Lockwiki:Privacy_policy|Lockwiki Privacy Policy]]
* [[Lockwiki:General_disclaimer|Lockwiki General Disclaimer]]

[[Category:Help| ]]

== You have rights in dealing with collectors of old debts ==

Here’s a hypothetical case that is all too real.

Our consumer (let’s call her Sara) has worked for the past several years to restore her credit rating. Sara had fallen on hard times and ran up a number of bills. Then her wallet was stolen and the thief used a credit card inside to run up hundreds of dollars in charges.

Now that her credit score is heading back up, Sara is doing all she can to keep her financial record clean. Then comes the telephone call announcing that she is still liable for some of those old debts.

The call comes from what are known as [http://www.shiftwatches.com replica watches ]scavenger debt collectors. Their companies buy old debts that creditors have written off for a variety of reasons. The scavengers make the rounds to collect cash from people who no longer are obligated to pay those old debts.

The scavenger collection agencies purchase what sometimes are called “zombie debts” from all sorts of lending sources, usually at pennies or even fractions of a cent on the dollar. The scavengers are out to make whatever they can above their costs — which are minimal in relation to the total dollar value of the original loans — often by any means necessary.

Those methods may include misrepresentation, pressure and threats. The debt collectors might call and suggest they’re ready to start legal proceedings if you don’t pay a sizable part of your “debt” right now. They might haggle, offering first to take 80 percent of the original debt, then lowering the amount to 70 percent. More resistance might lead to a conference with “the manager,” who then will agree to 50 percent — if you send a check within five days.

Initial reluctance might prompt the collectors to call back and turn up the heat. They might call at odd hours, or phone your neighbors or your employer. It’s time to fight back.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a federal law (administered by Maine’s Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection, 800-332-8529) that regulates debt collection. It prohibits threats, coercion and harassment. It states that collectors can call only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., and they can’t call you at work if you tell them not to.

You might want to talk with the debt collector the first time you’re called to get the specifics: how much do you allegedly owe, when and for what, and to whom is the money owed. Don’t admit to owing anything; instead, ask for all the details in writing. By law the collector has to mail you the specifics within five days of that call.

Check the written details against your credit report. You might discover that the debt is so old the statute of limitations has run out (check with someone with legal expertise on this point). If you believe you do not owe the money, write a certified letter to the collection agency and pay for a return receipt so you can prove your letter was delivered. In the letter, demand that the company stop contacting you.

Do all you can to avoid problems by paying your bills on time. Keep an eye on your credit score; you’re allowed one free report each year from each of the major rating firms (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union). By getting one report every four months, you can keep an eye on your credit history — and help keep the scavengers at bay.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast CONTACT, Maine’s membership-funded, nonprofit consumer organization. Individual and business memberships are available at modest rates.

Help:Contents

2012-07-03T07:36:04Z

Lovoogr:

Tri-Circle

2012-07-03T07:34:03Z

Lovoogr: /* You have rights in dealing with collectors of old debts */ new section

=Tri-Circle=

{{Lock manufacturer
|Name=Tri-Circle
|Img=File:Tri-circle_logo.png
|Headquarters=China
|Founded=1930
|Products=[http://www.watchestype.net replica watches ] hardware
}}
[http://www.watchestype.net replica watches ]
'''Tri-Cirle''' is a Chinese [[lock manufacturer]] that produces low and medium security [[padlock]]s.
The brand is established in over 160 countries in all regions of the world.<ref>[http://tri-circlelocks.com/en/company.asp Tri-Circle company information webpage]</ref>

__TOC__

== History ==

Tri-Circle was founded 1930.

== Lock Listing ==

* [[Tri-Circle 264]]
* [[Tri-Circle 266]]

== References ==
<references />

==External links==
* [http://tri-circlelocks.com Tri-Circle global homepage]
== See also ==

* [[Lock Manufacturers]]
* [[Pin-tumbler]]

[[Category:Tri-Circle| ]]
[[Category:Lock Manufacturers]]

{{stub}}

== You have rights in dealing with collectors of old debts ==

Here’s a hypothetical case that is all too real.

Our consumer (let’s call her Sara) has worked for the past several years to restore her credit rating. Sara had fallen on hard times and ran up a number of bills. Then her wallet was stolen and the thief used a credit card inside to run up hundreds of dollars in charges.

Now that her credit score is heading back up, Sara is doing all she can to keep her financial record clean. Then comes the telephone call announcing that she is still liable for some of those old debts.

The call comes from what are known as scavenger debt [http://www.varwatches.com replica watches ]collectors. Their companies buy old debts that creditors have written off for a variety of reasons. The scavengers make the rounds to collect cash from people who no longer are obligated to pay those old debts.

The scavenger collection agencies purchase what sometimes are called “zombie debts” from all sorts of lending sources, usually at pennies or even fractions of a cent on the dollar. The scavengers are out to make whatever they can above their costs — which are minimal in relation to the total dollar value of the original loans — often by any means necessary.

Those methods may include misrepresentation, pressure and threats. The debt collectors might call and suggest they’re ready to start legal proceedings if you don’t pay a sizable part of your “debt” right now. They might haggle, offering first to take 80 percent of the original debt, then lowering the amount to 70 percent. More resistance might lead to a conference with “the manager,” who then will agree to 50 percent — if you send a check within five days.

Initial reluctance might prompt the collectors to call back and turn up the heat. They might call at odd hours, or phone your neighbors or your employer. It’s time to fight back.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a federal law (administered by Maine’s Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection, 800-332-8529) that regulates debt collection. It prohibits threats, coercion and harassment. It states that collectors can call only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., and they can’t call you at work if you tell them not to.

You might want to talk with the debt collector the first time you’re called to get the specifics: how much do you allegedly owe, when and for what, and to whom is the money owed. Don’t admit to owing anything; instead, ask for all the details in writing. By law the collector has to mail you the specifics within five days of that call.

Check the written details against your credit report. You might discover that the debt is so old the statute of limitations has run out (check with someone with legal expertise on this point). If you believe you do not owe the money, write a certified letter to the collection agency and pay for a return receipt so you can prove your letter was delivered. In the letter, demand that the company stop contacting you.

Do all you can to avoid problems by paying your bills on time. Keep an eye on your credit score; you’re allowed one free report each year from each of the major rating firms (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union). By getting one report every four months, you can keep an eye on your credit history — and help keep the scavengers at bay.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast CONTACT, Maine’s membership-funded, nonprofit consumer organization. Individual and business memberships are available at modest rates.

Tri-Circle

2012-07-03T07:32:32Z

Lovoogr:

Tri-Circle

2012-07-03T07:31:32Z

Lovoogr:

=Tri-Circle=

{{Lock manufacturer
|Name=Tri-Circle
|Img=File:Tri-circle_logo.png
|Headquarters=China
|Founded=1930
|Products=[http://www.watchestype.net replica watches ] hardware
}}

'''Tri-Cirle''' is a Chinese [[lock manufacturer]] that produces low and medium security [[padlock]]s.
The brand is established in over 160 countries in all regions of the world.<ref>[http://tri-circlelocks.com/en/company.asp Tri-Circle company information webpage]</ref>

__TOC__

== History ==

Tri-Circle was founded 1930.

== Lock Listing ==

* [[Tri-Circle 264]]
* [[Tri-Circle 266]]

== References ==
<references />

==External links==
* [http://tri-circlelocks.com Tri-Circle global homepage]
== See also ==

* [[Lock Manufacturers]]
* [[Pin-tumbler]]

[[Category:Tri-Circle| ]]
[[Category:Lock Manufacturers]]

{{stub}}

Schlage Primus

2012-07-03T07:27:24Z

Lovoogr: /* US debt downgrade could mean rate hikes for all */ new section

=Schlage Primus=

{{Lock model
|name = Schlage Primus
|Img = File:Schlage_Primus_cylinder.jpg
|lock_type = [[Cylinder]]
|lock_design = [[Pin-tumbler]], [[Sidebar]]
|maker = [[Schlage]]
|years_produced =
|patent = [http://www.alikewatches.com/ replica watches ]<br>[http://www.google.com/patents?id=PBkMAAAAEBAJ US 4,815,307]
|related = [[Schlage Everest]]<br>[[Schlage Primus Everest]]
}}

The '''Primus''' (or '''Classic Primus''', '''Primus XP''') is a [[UL 437]] rated [[pin-tumbler]] lock made by [[Schlage]]. It uses six pin-tumblers and a [[sidebar]] that requires finger pins to be raised and rotated properly. The Primus is functionally identical to the [[ASSA Twin Combi]] lock, but it does not include as many anti-[[lockpicking]] and key control mechanisms. The patent protection on Primus keys ended in 2007.

The Primus is an updated version of the [[Schlage Everest]]. The [[Schlage Everest Primus]] is an alternate version of the Primus that enhances key control capabilities.

__TOC__

== Principles of operation ==

:''See also [[ASSA Twin Combi]]''

The Primus uses six pin-tumblers and fix sidebar finger pins. Unlike its ASSA counterpart, the Primus does not provide any [[security pin]]s by default. There are 10 depths available for bottom (key) pins. Key pins are numbered 0-9 sized .165" to .300 with a step of .015". There are eight master pins numbered 2-8 sized 0.030" to 0.135" with a step of .015". Driver pins come in three sizes (1-3) from .235" to .165" with a step of .035". These drivers provide pseudo-balanced pin stacks; a 1 driver is used if the size of the key and master pin stack is 0-3, 2 if 4-6, and 3 if 7-9. Any key/master pin stack larger than 9 is invalid (the master pin would not drop down far enough to align at the shear line. In total, there are 1,000,000 (10<sup>6</sup>) theoretical key differs for the pin-tumbler portion of the lock.

The sidebar, located in the 8 o'clock position, is pushed out by two springs. The sidebar bitting on the key raises finger pins which interface with the sidebar. Sidebar finger pins must be raised and rotated properly for the sidebar to retract. When both the sidebar pins and the pin-tumbler are aligned the [[plug]] can rotate.

<div align="center"><gallery>
File:Schlage_Primus_key.jpg|The Schlage Primus key.
File:Schlage_Primus_sidebar.jpg|The Primus [[sidebar]].
File:Schlage_Primus_sidebar_aligned.jpg|Sidebar pins properly aligned.
File:Schlage_Primus_sidebar_rotated.jpg|Sidebar pins rotated by the key.
</gallery></div>

'''Notes'''
* The Primus is available in rated and non-rated cylinders. Non-rated cylinders do not include hardened anti-drill protections.<ref>Schlage. [http://everestprimus.schlage.com/faqs.asp#10 Everest FAQs]</ref>

== Key security levels ==

The Primus offers a variety of key security levels:

; Level 1 - Commercially Exclusive
: Distributors sell to end users via commercial locksmiths. All Level 1 keys have the same sidebar bitting code.<ref>Schlage. [http://everestprimus.schlage.com/pdf/primus_levels.pdf Primus Levels at a Glance]</ref>

; Level 1+ - Wholesaler/Locksmith Exclusive
: Locksmiths resell exclusive wholesaler sidebar bittings. Keys are stamped with unique locksmith ID numbers.

; Level 2 - Contract Hardware Dealer Exclusive
: Exclusivity limited to contract hardware dealers who sell directly to end users.

; Level 3 - End User Exclusive
: Exclusivity based on random assignment or the first 2 digits of a zip code.

; Level 4 - End User Exclusive
: Exclusivity based on time zone or nation.

== Disassembly instructions ==

The Schlage Primus is disassembled in the same way as a traditional pin-tumbler cylinder. Care is taken to account for the sidebar and finger pins. Finger pins are spring biased outwards when the plug is exposed without a key inserted.

{{Pin-tumbler standard disassembly}}

== Vulnerabilities ==

* [[Lockpicking]]
* [[Key bumping]]
* [[Impressioning]]
* [[Decoding]]

'''Notes'''
* Key bumping is possible only with a bump key that has the correct sidebar code.

== Gallery ==

Add to me!
<div align="center"><gallery>
</gallery></div>

== References ==
<references />

== See also ==
* [[Sidebar]]
* [[Pin-tumbler]]
* [[Schlage]]

[[Category:Schlage|Primus]]
[[Category:Sidebar locks]]
[[Category:Pin-tumbler locks]]

== US debt downgrade could mean rate hikes for all ==

NEW YORK — Lawmakers weren’t able to prevent the country from losing its coveted AAA debt rating.

Although the downgrade late Friday by Standard & Poor’s was historic, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. The three main credit agencies, which also include Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings, had warned during the fight over the debt ceiling that if Congress did not cut spending far enough, the country faced a downgrade.

And just like a lower consumer credit score implies that a borrower is a less reliable, a lower credit rating for government bonds implies there is more risk involved in lending money to the government.

Not every type of consumer borrowing [http://www.watchloot.org replica watches ] has a direct tie to the government’s credit rating, but there are potential ripple effects for individuals.

Mortgage and home equity loans
S&P’s downgrade may have several implications for homeowners.

For starters, early Monday S&P downgraded the credit ratings of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which are both backed by the U.S. government. That could mean higher mortgage rates for new borrowers. Freddie and Fannie together own or guarantee about half of all mortgages in the U.S.

Anyone hoping to buy a home in the near future likely has some time before they’ll see rates climb. Still they should ask their bank or mortgage broker about the process for locking in a rate. Mortgage rates have been at historic lows in recent months, but fixed-rate mortgages are typically directly tied to the yield on 10-year Treasury bonds. Higher mortgage rates would follow any increase in the Treasury yield. But so far it appears that Treasury yields won’t rise simply as a result of the downgrade.

Variable rate mortgages and home equity loans could become more expensive as well.

The high failure rate for adjustable rate mortgages during the housing meltdown means that today the number of new home loans with adjustable rates is minimal — less than 5 percent of the market, according to Stephen Malpezzi, an economics professor at the University of Wisconsin Business School who follows the housing market.

What’s less clear is how many older loans with adjustable rates remain out there, he said. With interest rates low in recent years, many homeowners who held adjustable rate mortgages have refinanced to fixed rates. For homeowners who still have ARMs, any potential change in their interest rates depends on whether their loan was linked to Treasury rates or some other benchmark, like the prime rate or federal funds rate.

Credit cards
Consumers across the country, who carry an average $4,950 on their credit cards according to TransUnion, will be relieved to know that any changes as a result of the downgrade won’t be dramatic. And to the extent there are changes, certain protections are in place.

Most accounts with fixed rates were converted to variable rates in 2009 in response to the economic downturn and new regulations.

Banks don’t publicize the rates they’re charging current customers, but nearly 96 percent of the offers sent out for new cards in the first six months of this year carried variable rates, according to Mintel Compermedia, a market research firm.

Right now, banks are offering an average annual interest rate of 14.4 percent, according to Bankrate.com.

The good news is that even if market forces start sending card rates higher, current account balances will be protected from rate hikes under the credit card reforms passed in 2009. That means only new charges would be subject to higher rates. If rates rise several times over a period of months, card users could end up with multiple rates on various balances.

Schlage Primus

2012-07-03T07:25:36Z

Lovoogr:

Lockwiki:Current events

2012-07-03T07:23:54Z

Lovoogr: /* U.S. secretary denies fish catch limit hike */ new section

= Current Events =

This page lists upcoming events dealing with physical security, [http://www.hugwatches.com replica watches ], and [[Locksport|locksport]]. Most are general security conferences that have some sort of physical security or locksport event.
<br><br>
{| class="wikitable sortable collapsible" border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"
|- bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! scope="col" |'''Event'''
! scope="col" |'''Date(s)'''
! scope="col" |'''Location'''
! scope="col" class="unsortable" |'''Info'''

|-
|[http://www.aloa.org/convention/index.html ALOA 2012]
|July 7-15, 2012
|Las Vegas, NV
|
* TBA

|-
|[http://toool.us/lockcon/ LockCon 2012]
|July 17-19, 2012
|Nicholsville, KY
|
* TBA

|-
|[http://www.blackhat.com BlackHat 2012]
|July 21-26, 2012
|Las Vegas, NV
|
* TBA

|-
|[http://www.defcon.org DEFCON 20]
|July 26-29, 2012
|Las Vegas, NV
|
* TBA

|-
|[http://www.toorcamp.org Toorcamp 2012]
|August 8-12, 2012
|Neah Bay, WA
|
* TBA
|}

== See also ==
* [[Locksport]]
* [[Lockpicking]]
* [[Lockwiki:Community Portal]]

[[Category:Locksport]]

== Website merger gives consumers edge ==

As of this summer, two consumer-oriented websites maintained by the federal government have blended into one.

The merger of ConsumerAction.gov and USA.gov marks another step to make consumer information easier to find and use. As advocates for consumers who help themselves and others by staying informed, we find that the new site — www.usa.gov/topics/consumer.shtml — is a great source for a variety of information.

Regular readers of this column may recall that ConsumerAction.gov was the online location of the Consumer Action Handbook. The latest version of the handbook is available at the merged site, and it’s still a comprehensive guide to all manner of needed information. Print versions are available as well, by writing to Consumer Action Handbook, Pueblo, Colorado 81009. You may also call the Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC) at 888-8-PUEBLO (888-878-3256) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to request a copy.

The focus of the handbook is helping consumers make smart choices in the purchase of goods and services.

One new section is called “Going Green.” For all of the concern over our environment in recent years, it’s a fairly short section; but it does offer some basics on reusing and recycling products, plus buying organic products and saving energy.

Also new, in the section on investing, is some advice about the purchase of gold. The airwaves are full of commercials urging us to buy gold as part of a diversified portfolio. The handbook has a couple of pieces of sound advice on this score. One is to make sure you deal only with licensed salespeople and companies. The second is to know that American Gold Eagle Bullion Coins are the only gold coins the U.S. government guarantees for purity, weight and content.

As with any comprehensive guide, the handbook contains concise advice on buying everything from food to insurance to a home. There’s advice about choosing a phone service, a doctor, a health care facility and homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.

There also is a lot of useful advice [http://www.insurewatches.com replica watches ]about what kind of purchases you should avoid. There’s a list of questions to ask promoters of work-at-home programs, such as, what tasks will I have to perform, who pays me, and when do I get my first paycheck? If you don’t get answers you can live with, you may decide the offer is not for you; you may even conclude it’s not legitimate.

The book also outlines ways you can file complaints if you’re dissatisfied with a purchase or if a service was not provided as promised. There are lists of state banking authorities, insurance regulators, securities administrators and utility commissions. You also will find professional and trade associations, corporate consumer contacts and consumer protection offices listed; we’ve found letters far more effective than either phone calls or emails in resolving issues.

If you request the handbook online, you’ll be asked for your phone number and e-mail address. We checked with the FCIC, and that information is not required to receive your free copy. Since the handbook is updated every year, it’s worth a few minutes to request a copy annually; the information it contains could be worthy plenty.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast CONTACT, Maine’s membership-funded, nonprofit consumer organization. Individual and business memberships are available at modest rates. For assistance with consumer-related issues, including consumer fraud and identity theft, or for more information, write: Consumer Forum, P.O. Box 486, Brewer 04412, go to or email contacexdir@live.com.

CORRECTION:
An earlier version of this column contained an incorrect Web address for the new consumer-oriented website. The error has been fixed.

== U.S. secretary denies fish catch limit hike ==

BOSTON — The U.S. commerce secretary has denied a request by the governor of Massachusetts for emergency increases in fish catch limits, saying there’s no new science to justify them.

Secretary Gary Locke had said in October he was open to ordering increases, but needed evidence to support it.

Gov. Deval Patrick responded in November, sending a letter and scientific report to Locke that said unnecessarily low catch limits were creating an “economic disaster” for local fishermen. The report estimated a $40 million hit in direct losses and forgone catch.

But last week Locke said the state report offered no new science to justify raising catch limits, but simply offered an analysis of old data that already had been rejected by regional regulators at the New England Fishery Management Council.

“I need scientific data not previously [http://www.zonewatches.com replica watches ]considered by the council because the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act [the nation’s fisheries law] does not permit me to overrule council decisions on the basis of a disagreement over scientific judgment,” Locke wrote in letter to Patrick, dated Jan. 7.

Locke added, “I stand ready to increase catch limits whenever new scientific data are available that meet the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.”

Patrick said Friday that state agencies had given Locke “more than sufficient evidence” that an increase in catch limits was justified and badly needed.

“I believe he has squandered an opportunity to relieve the economic hardship currently suffered by many fishing families and restore a sense of trust and good will toward the federal agencies who regulate their livelihood,” Patrick said in a statement.

Since May, New England fishermen have been under a new management system that gives fishermen working in groups called “sectors” an allotment of various groundfish species — such as cod, haddock and flounder — to divide among themselves. But if fishermen exceed their limit on one species, they must stop fishing on all species.

Fishermen argue that federal regulators set limits so low on some protected species that their fishing will be shut down prematurely.

The report sent by Patrick said regulators were far too conservative when they built buffers into catch limits to make sure fishermen didn’t take too much of a given species. Patrick said regulators could safely decrease the buffer so more fish could be caught, and argued catch limits on most species could be raised by at least 30 percent without threatening conservation.

The governor asked for “immediate action” in his letter, and lawmakers became perturbed as weeks passed without word from Locke. In December, Massachusetts Democratic Rep. John Tierney said it was “unacceptable” Locke hadn’t acted, and sent a letter signed by four other lawmakers urging congressional leaders not fund the fishery management system until Locke raised catch limits.

The New Bedford Harbor Development Commission started a “Still Waiting” ad on the Saving Seafood website with a count of the number of “Days Waiting for Secretary Locke” since Patrick had sent the letter to Locke without action.

On Friday, Tierney said he was “deeply disappointed” in Locke’s decision.

“The fact remains that the lack of action by the secretary will result in more hardship for our fishing communities,” he said in a statement.

But Peter Baker of the Pew Environment Group said Locke had showed “great determination” in standing up to political pressure and backing the lengthy public process that set the catch at a level Baker believes is best to ensure the fishery’s future health.

Lockwiki:Current events

2012-07-03T07:20:19Z

Lovoogr: /* Website merger gives consumers edge */ new section

Lockwiki:Current events

2012-07-03T07:19:10Z

Lovoogr: