10-15-2012, 07:39 PM
Unite As One, Or Lose It All
Posted on October 15, 2012
1
Recently we were informed that a new regulation has been
implemented by the DFG. The rockfish maximum depth that is 60 fathoms
(360′) will be reduced to 50 fathoms (300′). No, we were not informed
that we had a say in the matter prior to the decision. Odd, considering
that we live in a democracy, where we should get a vote in the process
of decisions such as these. Instead of consulting the anglers that
actually fish for rockfish, the DFG consulted an environmentally
proponent panel of biologists and scientists. Even if these lawmakers
are going to continue to vote on policies behind closed doors, we should
get to vote as to who is on such panels. As of now, they are appointed
and we have no say as to who is elected to such powerful decision
making positions.
The truth is, we are a divided group that cannot come together as one
and stand our ground effectively. The anglers fight the free divers,
the sportboat operators fight the private boaters, and different areas
such as Newport fight against the Long Beach guys. Together we make up a
powerful force that can stand against the environmentalists.
The recent decision was made to protect the cow cod, a fish known for
living on the deepest of rocks and structure. Most recreational rock
coders rarely (if ever) catch one, but those with the skill and
equipment catch them at will and there seems to be no shortage of cow
cod. It’s obvious that there are ulterior motives to the poorly
explained closures and regulations. While the vast majority of
recreational users of our local waters are the most environmentally
friendly of all, we see no need for ridiculous salmon grouper limits or
rock cod fishing depth restrictions. What the end game plan is for
these behind the scenes policy makers remains a mystery. The evidence
points to a complete closure of all local waters at some point in the
not too distant future. Even those who are not conspiracy theorists can
see it coming.
Different groups have formed to try to unite all to battle the forces
of evil, but a lack of trust keeps them from flourishing. With no
transparency, rumors of back door deals and embezzlement have flooded
our fickle industry, and attempts to repair the reputation of such
groups has failed. The commercial industry stands alone with some
success, but they are fighting to keep their boats and tradition alive.
The simple fact that commercial interests with their nets and state of
the art equipment can sway the environmental policy makers with
solidarity and money, is proof alone that we should come together as
recreational users of our local waters.
If we could unite fuel dock and tackle store owners, landing
operators, private and sportboat enthusiasts and operators, and tackle
manufacturing giants, then we could stand on our own two feet and fight
this insanity. Shipyards and boat builders stand to lose on this deal
also, and should stand with us. Coastal cities stand to lose millions
of dollars spent by surf fishermen and private boat anglers that stop to
get groceries, ice, bait and pay for parking. So local city
governments should be easy to recruit. A high percentage of hunters
also fish, and the whole group could come on board with us as well as
the NRA. The number of trout and fresh water bass fishermen alone is
enough to build a team powerful enough to combat those trying hard to
take away what we love so much. Lastly, surfers fall into the same
category as us, “Watermen.” If intelligently informed of our plight,
surfers might just be the straw that breaks the back of the politicians
that are well paid by those trying to close our whole industry down.
So before you decide you hate someone you have not even met, just because they put on a wetsuit and jumped in on your kelp, think about it. They could be on your team, our
team. Sportboat operators should see private boaters as one of the
good guys, not the enemy (and visa versa). The amount of on the water
drama is on the rise these days and its only dividing us to the point
where we are a useless bunch of unorganized crybabies. The
environmental factor is watching, and taking advantage of our
childishness.
As a group the end game seems clear for us watermen. We all want to
protect the resource and take the necessary steps so it remains for our
children, and our children’s children. At the same time we want to be
able to enjoy the resource responsibly today, without crippling the
local economy and having our freedoms trampled by those with selfish
motives. It all comes down to how bad we want this thing, and anyone
can decide to make a difference today.
Don’t just throw money into a jar and walk away, do something, anything. Volunteer
for a group that has our agenda in mind and get involved. Recruit
others, especially your kids to have a voice and an opinion. It’s their
waters that are being taken away. Write letters, actual letters to
congressmen and policy makers. We don’t need to stomp our feet or occupy
the DFG, we actually have a valid argument. Our freedoms are being
trashed with our own money, and its wrong. If we don’t unite soon the
end may be nearer than we think, and the local golf course is going to
get really crowded.
Let God lead the way!
Give a man a fish he eats for one day, teach him to fish he eats forever!
Give a man a fish he eats for one day, teach him to fish he eats forever!
