You may have heard the buzz about a recent proposal by NOAA Fisheries to create a recreational no-go zone along the West side of San Juan Island – and during prime summer fishing months, no less.
At the end of July, NOAA released potential new rules on vessel traffic, aimed at further protecting Southern Resident killer whales in Puget Sound. The rules include a half-mile-wide recreational vessel-free zone along the west side of San Juan Island from May 1 through the end of September. It also increases the allowable vessel distance from whales, to 200 yards (from 100). For detailed information, you can visit the NOAA website.
What is NMTA's position? Our association represents many interests; they include people whose livelihood depends on the continued existence of great fishing opportunities. We also have members who believe that the regulations may not go far enough, as the proposed rule exempts commercial fishing, cargo and government vessels. Based on the feedback I have received from our members, I can accurately say this:
First, that NMTA supports the protection of the Puget Sound orca whale population and reasonable, enforceable efforts to ensure an increase in their health and numbers.
Second, that a closure along San Juan island would have huge negative economic impacts on the recreational fishing and boating industries. Many members feel that there is not substantial enough evidence to prove that the presence of recreational vessels along San Juan island, engaged in low-wake activity (like fishing, paddling, or cruising), has a detrimental impact on orca whales.
What do you think? Respond with your comments. You can also get engaged with this topic by attending one of three public hearings:
At the end of July, NOAA released potential new rules on vessel traffic, aimed at further protecting Southern Resident killer whales in Puget Sound. The rules include a half-mile-wide recreational vessel-free zone along the west side of San Juan Island from May 1 through the end of September. It also increases the allowable vessel distance from whales, to 200 yards (from 100). For detailed information, you can visit the NOAA website.
What is NMTA's position? Our association represents many interests; they include people whose livelihood depends on the continued existence of great fishing opportunities. We also have members who believe that the regulations may not go far enough, as the proposed rule exempts commercial fishing, cargo and government vessels. Based on the feedback I have received from our members, I can accurately say this:
First, that NMTA supports the protection of the Puget Sound orca whale population and reasonable, enforceable efforts to ensure an increase in their health and numbers.
Second, that a closure along San Juan island would have huge negative economic impacts on the recreational fishing and boating industries. Many members feel that there is not substantial enough evidence to prove that the presence of recreational vessels along San Juan island, engaged in low-wake activity (like fishing, paddling, or cruising), has a detrimental impact on orca whales.
What do you think? Respond with your comments. You can also get engaged with this topic by attending one of three public hearings:
- Sept. 24, 2009, 7-9 p.m., Pier One Main Warehouse, 100 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes, Wash.
- Sept. 30, 2009, 7-9 p.m., Seattle Aquarium, Pier 59, Seattle, Wash.
- Oct. 5, 2009, 7-9 p.m., The Grange Hall, First Street, Friday Harbor, Wash.
Labels: NMTA, NOAA Fisheries, orca whale, San Juan Island
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