San Diego Council of Divers, California DFG and Spear Gun
Manufacturers Respond to Recent Sea Bass Poaching
SAN DIEGO - On April 24th 2005, a scuba diver was reported to have
speared and killed a giant sea bass in the La Jolla Ecological
Reserve. This incident sparked a negative outcry from the local
community and also from sport divers; not only is spear fishing in the reserve a violation of state law, but the take of giant sea bass
(Stereolepis gigas) is prohibited according to State of California
Ocean Fishing Regulations.
The San Diego Council of Divers hopes to turn this unfortunate
incident into a learning experience. Derek Tarr, president of the San
Diego Council of Divers, stated "This event proves that we should be
proactive in educating spear fisherman about marine reserves and
protected species."
The San Diego Council of Divers has contacted speargun manufacturers
Riffe and JBL, and both companies have agreed to include a copy of the
California Department of Fish & Game's Ocean Fishing Regulations Book
with each speargun sold in Southern California this summer.
California Department of Fish and Game warden Erik Fleet stated, "If
you choose to take, you are responsible to know and abide by the laws
which govern the take."
The San Diego Council of Divers also is further encouraging all
manufacturers, dive store operators, spear fisherman, and dive
training agencies to promote responsible recreational use of marine
resources.