A Line in the Sand 2

"Vessel traffic" means everyone right? WRONG! The proposal, meant to
eventually increase the population of ESA listed Southern Resident
Killer Whales, would exlude all but commercial vessels and local
residents from operating in the waters off the west side of San Juan
Island. The goal of the proposal is to reduce vessel noise in the area,
which may or may not hinder the whales ability to feed, navigate, and
nurse their offspring. I say may or may not because the evidence seems
to be very inconclusive on the matter of vessel noise and it's effect
on the killer whales.

Soooo, we're going to turn this area into a "no-fly zone" for
recreational boaters and allow commercial boats and local residents
continued use of these waters. Huh??? My only thought, outside of
wondering why my head hurts so bad, is that someone in a high-backed
leather chair must feel like they need to uphold the value of limited
entry commercial purse seine and gillnet permits. The commercial
interests are well funded and well organized. Exclude these vessels
from some of the most productive waters in the state and well, that
brings up another round of funding and a bag of excrement that will
really, really complicate things. The recreational anglers, the
discumbobulated low hanging fruit, will go down without a fight. Not so
fast!

If recreational anglers are going to squabble, bicker, or complain we
need to do it in a constructive and unified manner by calling our local
Congressman, Senators, or Representatives and respectfully
communicating our opposition to NOAA's proposal. We may need to
negotiate on this matter, but we simply can't roll over on our backs
and play dead. Click on the links below and either email or call your
local legislator and voice your opinion. We all spend time in vehicles
during the day and a simple phone call is all it takes. 

Congressman Rick Larsen-2nd Congressional District

Washington State Legislature District Directory

Members of the 40th Legislative District (Skagit, Whatcom, and San Juan Counties)

Here's another way to help:

The Fisherman's Coalition is a grass roots organization started by
Larry Carpenter, owner of Master Marine Services in Mount Vernon. When
something like the recent NOAA proposal pops up in the North Sound
Larry's phone is generally the first to ring and this time was no
different. He's had the backs of recreational fisherman for almost
three decades and has spent just as much time duking it out with
government agencies for improved sportfishing seasons and increased
angling opportunity as he has on the water, if not more. When the news
came down that NOAA was proposing a complete closure of the west side
of San Juan Island to all but commercial fisherman and local residents
you can bet Larry's phone was jumping off the hook. Larry is quickly
rounding up the funds necessary to pay heavy-hitting lobbyist and
former Northwest Marine Trade Association employee Frank Urubeck to
play the heavy on our behalf. While some money has already been
collected, much more is needed with all of the funds going directly to
Frank Urubeck, who like Carpenter has a long history of covering
recreational fishing rights. To donate to the Fisherman's Coalition
contact Larry Carpenter at 360-336-2176 or stop by and visit him at Master Marine Services in Mount Vernon, WA.