The Enviro-Regulatory Machine and Recreational Fishing
Posted by: Jubal | 04/01/2008 12:25 PM
I enjoy fishing. I find it supremely relaxing to soak in nature while trudging along streams in search of trout to reel in. While I've never been salt-water fishing, I have many friends among the thousands of Californians who do.
I broach the topic by way of introduction of this op-ed that appeared in the OC Register on March 21, and which I've been meaning to post ever since. The author presents an example of how the good intentions of Californians for common sense environmental protection can transmogrify, in the hands of bureaucracy, into policies that prevent us from enjoying the environment.
I broach the topic by way of introduction of this op-ed that appeared in the OC Register on March 21, and which I've been meaning to post ever since. The author presents an example of how the good intentions of Californians for common sense environmental protection can transmogrify, in the hands of bureaucracy, into policies that prevent us from enjoying the environment.
The Orange Grove: Recreational Fishing TargetedYou can read the rest of Mr. Pfeiffer's op-ed here.
Marine habitat law being used to exclude anglers from more waters
By DAVE PFEIFFER
President of Shimano America Corp. based in Irvine, a leading manufacturer of fishing tackle in the United States and abroad.
Among the environmental debates making news is the question of how to best and properly protect the health of California's ocean environment.
The California Marine Life Protection Act, a complex and ambitious environmental initiative, was enacted by the state Legislature in 1999 and now is being implemented by California's Fish and Game Commission. The purpose of the MPLA, in its own words, is to establish "networks of marine protected areas in California waters to protect habitats and preserve ecosystem integrity," among other things.
By any objective measure, this regulatory process seeks to reduce the area of coastal waters that may be used - even responsibly - by California's recreational fishermen. That fact is not in dispute. And it is this fact that should move all Californians to consider the scope of this type of law and how, when it gains a certain momentum, it can trample (even unwittingly) most everything in its path.
The impact of any ocean closures could be felt close to home. Three examples of marine areas that could be closed are: portions of Crystal Cove, Heisler Park in Laguna Beach, and Dana Point. While there aren't any formal proposals yet, the extent of areas placed off-limits is still up for discussion. We do know, however, there is a distinct threat to close off significant portions of the Southern California coast through the MLPA process.
The MLPA has the potential to further restrict fishing in existing areas by extending the ban out to three miles offshore, compared with several hundred yards from shore, as it is now. Aside from the examples provided, the MLPA will establish new areas in Southern California that will vary in size and not allow fishing.
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This OpEd piece should be read by every recreational fishing enthusiast in California. Whether you fish the coastal zone, the blue water or even if you soak Gulp in Irvine Lake the recent actions of our Legislature, the Department of Fish & Game, the National Marine Fisheries and US Fish & Wildlife threaten our sport and our accessibility to productive waters. Simple pleasures, such as dropping a line from a rod while paddling a Kayak near Dana Point or in Newport is potentially at risk. The negative impact resulting from legitimate sport fishing is insignificant; while the revenue generated for wildlife and fisheries protection from the retail sale of equipment is tremendous. See the: The Dingell-Johnson Act of 1950 which applies a tax on fishing rods, reels, creels, lures, and flies. The Wallop-Breaux Amendment extends the tax to tackle boxes, sonar fish finders, motorboat fuels, electric motors, and other equipment not included in the earlier laws. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service distribute these tax revenues to the states for recreational sport fishing enhancement projects.