Yikes - Fishermen and Hunters MUST READ! Thanks Obama

[Anthony Adams]

http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/articles/feds_to_60_million.html

Ultimately this could effect both hunting and fishng on the Great Lakes.



Feds to 60 Million American Anglers: We don't need you

IRVINE, Calif. USA – October 5, 2009 – A recently published administration document outlines a structure that could result in closures of sport fishing in salt and freshwater areas across America. The White House created an Interagency Oceans Policy Task Force in June and gave them only 90 days to develop a comprehensive federal policy for all U.S. coastal, ocean and Great Lakes waters. Under the guise of 'protecting' these areas, the current second phase of the Task Force direction is to develop zoning which may permanently close vast areas of fishing waters nationwide. This is to be completed by December 9, 2009.

Dave Pfeiffer, President of Shimano American Corporation explained, "In spite of extensive submissions from the recreational fishing community to the Task Force in person and in writing, they failed to include any mention of the over one million jobs or the 6o million anglers which may be affected by the new policies coast to coast. Input from the environmental groups who want to put us off the water was adopted into the report verbatim – the key points we submitted as an industry were ignored."

Recreational fishing generates a $125 billion annual economy in the United States and supports jobs in every state according to government figures. Through the Sport Fish Restoration program, anglers have provided more than $5 billion through excise taxes on fishing tackle to fishery conservation and education for decades.

In addition to the economic aspects, anglers lead the nation in volunteer conservation efforts on behalf of improving fish habitat, water quality and related environmental areas. "There was no mention of the fishery conservation efforts which anglers have led for over 50 years in every state – an environmental success story that has no equal in the world", said Phil Morlock, Director, Environmental Affairs for Shimano. "The Task Force did not make any distinction between the dramatic differences between harmful commercial fishing harvest methods and recreational fishing, even though we spelled it out for them in detail," added Morlock.

Claiming to be the result of a public consultation process the report states, "Having considered a broad range of public comments, this report reflects the requests and concerns of all interested parties."

The original White House memo and not surprisingly the Task Force report contains multiple references to developing a national policy where Great Lakes and coastal regions are managed, "consistent with international law, including customary international law as reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea" - a 300-page treaty the U.S. has never ratified.

"We question what implications there will be for state authority and jurisdiction in the Great Lakes and coastal regions if the U.S. adopts the U.N. Treaty," said Pfeiffer.

The report makes it clear that future authority for implementing the policy for coastal and inland waters will fall under White House jurisdiction with a new National Ocean Council comprised of over 20 federal agencies at Cabinet Secretary or Deputy Secretary level. No reference to Congressional jurisdiction is indicated.

"This significant change in U.S. policy direction is the result of a 90-day fire drill process as ordered by the President that, not surprisingly, lacks balance, clarity and quality in the end product," said Morlock. "People who simply want to take their kids fishing on public waters deserve better from their government," he added.

Shimano is joining with other members of the recreational fishing industry to urge anglers to contact their members of Congress and the administration to request this process be required to adopt the economic, conservation and social contributions of recreational fishing as key elements of the policy. It is critical that we ensure Congressional oversight and state jurisdiction and management continues.

E-letters can be sent to the administration and members of Congress by visiting http://www.keepamericafishing.org/The future of fishing is in your hands.

###
Editor's Note: Phil Morlock is attending Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus functions this week in Washington, DC, but will make himself available for questions, interviews on this. Contact John Mazurkiewicz with Catalyst Marketing for arrangements.

[Waterfoul]

This administration is out of touch with the public.  My favorite part of the whole article:

"Having considered a broad range of public comments, this report reflects the requests and concerns of all interested parties."


Funny, I wasn't asked, nor was anyone I know.  I guess by "all interested parties" they don't mean the 60 million anglers across the United States.

[Jighead]

THE SKY IS FALLING! THE SKY IS FALLING!

Please.  Does anyone honestly think that Obama personnaly wants to end recreational fishing on the Great Lakes?  An article on BassFan makes it pretty clear that the inclusion of recreational fishing with commercial fishing was an ignorant oversight by the idiots in this task force - not a direct order from Obama.  The article also explains that U.S. waters have been getting closed to fishing long before Obama came into office.  The Bush (!) administration signed off to close recreational fishing on 120,000 square miles of water adjacent to the Hawaain Islands.  This is a scarry thing to be sure.  But it's nothing to be attacking Obama for.

[Anthony Adams]

Who attacked Obama?

Here is the Bass Fan Arcticle

Conservation Vs. Preservation
Fishing Orgs Band Together To Fight Interim Report

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Usually when the fishing public hears about an access battle, it involves the coastline, or a steelhead or wild trout stream. But lately, the threat of possible widespread, freshwater gamefish closures reared its head. In response, stakeholders from across the fishing industry have circled their wagons to fight it.

Read full article

[Anthony Adams]

The key problems I have with this are...

1) Why in such a rush to push this through?
2) Why are we not taking the time to do it right?
3) Why is the task force refusing to seprate commercial fishing from recreational fishing?
4) Why the need to ban fishing of any kind at all.
5) What scientific data do they have to support the need for a ban?

[motocross269]

I guess they should have asked Bush the same thing when he closes down thousands of acres of Coastline to fishing,,,,(See articles in Bass Times)....

This isn't an Administration problem this battle has been waging for years......

[djkimmel]

As always, we need to be knowledgeable (accurately) and active to protect the resource and sport we love. I sent comments to my elected reps and the council that is producing the policy asking that recreational fishing be considered separately, differently and as a critically important activity to many US citizens and the economy.

Reading some of the comments supplied, you can see there is a wide range of interests and desired outcomes. We have to be heard to be heard. That has never, and will never, change.

I don't know if these latest proposed policies will actually affect us or not, but it is good to make sure your elected officials and other government bodies know we are out there and what we're thinking.

[Anthony Adams]

This isn't an Administration problem this battle has been waging for years......

I do not want to turn this into an Obama debate. However it was Obama who appointed the task force and gave them 90 days to complete the task. Seems hasty to me... Any sane individual should be asking why?

What should be the focus of our concern is the problem at hand. Your fishng, boating and even hunting rights could be affected by this task force.

This should be a concern for all outdoorsmen.

[mikesmiph]

I hate feeling fear from my government, but thats how I'm feeling right now. This task force, and the new DNRE in Michigan both make me shake. I can't explain it. Something about both these changes have my hackles up. Seems something is brewing, and I smell some special interest groups, that don't have my interest at heart. I will cross my fingers and toes, and hope for the best, but when government starts hurrying things and hiding things, its not good. Let us pray.

[djkimmel]

We all need to always be vigilant and look out for our interests too. Others are always more than willing to speak out for their interests, and to be heard.

[motocross269]

This is the exact reason why we all need to be involved in lobbying groups that represent our best interest...BASS, FLW, etc etc.....Sometimes we have to do more than just pay our dues.  Guys like Anthony and Dan are a prime example of that...I should do more and maybe next year I will have more time but my hats are off to these 2 guys..

I may not agree with the view that this all stems from Obama but I do agree that we have to be vigilant and involved.....These wars have been waging in the trenches for awhile but luckily sportsman organizations have been strong enough to win the battles...Hopefully that will continue.... 

[djkimmel]

I got a response from Senator Stabenow. A typical generic type response, but after I read again tomorrow, I will ask for a more specific response to my more specific concern about recreational fishing importance.

[Team houston]

I got the same B.S. reply. It mentions nothing about recreational fishing.

[mikesmiph]

I have a friend who is a congressman. I'll be talking to him today. I'm not going to lay down on this. Its too important, for me, and my family.

[djkimmel]

I got an even stranger response from good ole Mike Rogers. Short and sweet. Talked only about the exotic carp and his work to stop them!?! Had nothing to do really with the topic I specifically mentioned and again did not mention recreational fishing. I guess I give Stabenow slightly higher marks for a better form response letter anyway... more effort put into it

I will send a follow up this week spelling things out again and see if I get something more specific.

[t-bone]

I received a reply for Thaddeus McCotter - I think he at least understands the concerns of recreational anglers. Here it is:

Dear Mr. Bone:



Thank you for informing me of your support for including recreational fishing as a separate and distinct priority in the National Ocean and Great Lakes Policy proposal recently released by the Ocean Policy Task Force.  Your thoughts on this important matter are most welcome and appreciated. 



I agree with you.



Through October 17, 2009, the Task Force's Interim Report was available for public review and comment; however, the comment period has now closed.  Presently, no legislation regarding this issue has been introduced during the 111th Congress.



In a related matter, on October 7, 2009, Representative Dan Boren (OK) introduced H.R. 3749, the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act, which I have co-sponsored.  If enacted, H.R. 3749 would direct agencies charged with multiple-use mandates to provide for and promote sportsmen's use and access of public lands in their land management plans.  In addition, this legislation would require an evaluation of the effects of management alternatives on sportsmen's activities.  Further, it would recognize the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council and the Sporting Conservation Council as policy advisors on issues relevant to the wildlife conservation and sportsmen's communities.  Lastly, H.R. 3749 would assure the states' authority to manage fish and wildlife on Federal public lands is preserved and the states have the exclusive authority to require licenses or permits of sportsmen.  Presently, H.R. 3749 awaits action in the House Committee on Natural Resources. 



Rest assured, your thoughts on this issue will be remembered during the 111th Congress.  Again, thank you for contacting me; and for all you do for our community and our country.  Should you have any further comments or questions on this or any other issue, please contact me at the Livonia or Milford district, or Washington, D.C. office.



I work for you.


Sincerely,

Thaddeus G. McCotter
Member of Congress

[Team houston]

The difference between that one and the one from Stabenow is literally night and day.

[djkimmel]

And from Mike Rogers... night and some other solar system

I like that guy. Maybe he could straighten out some of the other ones?

[Dan]

I think we certainly need to keep the cards and letters coming and mine is off and in the mail. There is also room for comment on the official site, and I see that there aren't any fishing groups represented on that response page. None that I scanned anyway.
The memorandum http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Proclamation-National-Oceans-Month-and-Memorandum-regarding-national-policy-for-the-oceans/ was sent out June 8 and if Shimano has our backs it took them almost four months to catch the attention of forum groups like this one. I'm always a bit skeptical when a vested commercial group says they have our backs. We need to be sure we are shoulder to shoulder as interested outdoorsmen.
I appreciate very much Anthony and Lt. Dan's efforts to keep us informed and active. Vigilance, knowledge, and strength in numbers are important. The numbers needn't be all that large either. After all, the idea of majority rule is quite short sighted, and it is usually the efforts of the minority that make things happen. Look at most elections and you'll see that it is the minority participating while the majority is sitting back in their recliners.
If you read the above memorandum, I really don't see how you can find too much fault with its intentions. It is direct, needed, and has a time line set so that it doesn't just melt away into oblivion like some well intention plans do. Notice that there is a provision for public input and an emphasis on interagency cooperation. That's certainly where our voices need to be heard.
The one thing we can't do is get caught up in the back fence gossip that becomes inevitable in a two party system.
I get emails that are truly nothing but opposition rhetoric that are based on only the smallest bits of truth. They lead many to believe that they are 100% accurate. Make sure before you forward them you verify sources. Snopes  http://www.snopes.com/info/top25uls.asp  is a good one, and there are many others.
Like Iaconelli says on that commercial with Skeet Reese, "Trust noone." It's not quite that bad, but what you read in emails or on the net certainly isn't always factual, and it takes some work to discover what is.
Thanks again Anthony and Dan for your work here, and it would be here on GLB where I would first start looking for the truth and the subsequent action plan.
Lastly, I too would like to thank our President for tackling tough issues, in a thoughtful and timely manner. All he can do is lead the way. The rest of us have to pitch in and do the work. "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

[djkimmel]

I agree.