I found this on the net and thought everyone should join in to help spearos in the U.S. and maybe worldwide.
NOAA is proposing that spearfishing be banned at Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary, Georgia.
But hook and line fishing will be allowed.
There is a misperception in the United States that spearfishing harms fish populations, while rod and reel fishing is good and wholesome. If spearfishermen and women fail to raise their voices, this mistaken notion will continue to make its way into policy and rules and regulations across the United States. Spearfishing does not have the political power that supports and defends rod and reel fishing, so we continue to see these kinds of laws passed that suppress and outlaw spearfishing, while rod and reel fishing continues. The facts show that spearfishing is by far a more environmentally sound method of recreational fish take than rod and reel fishing. While spearfishers can chose the fish they want, rod and reel fishermen have little control over what bites their hooks and lures. "Catch n Release" has become a catchy term among the fishing community, but the facts show that most fish that are caught and released later die from the trauma and damage of being hooked. So while a rod and reel fisherman may end up killing many fish on a day out fishing, a spearfisher will only take the fish that was targeted.
NOAA will be accepting comments from the public on this pending measure until December 31, 2003. Please send your comments to:
graysreefcomments@noaa.gov
Be sure to include your full name and address and telephone number.
NOAA is proposing that spearfishing be banned at Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary, Georgia.
But hook and line fishing will be allowed.
There is a misperception in the United States that spearfishing harms fish populations, while rod and reel fishing is good and wholesome. If spearfishermen and women fail to raise their voices, this mistaken notion will continue to make its way into policy and rules and regulations across the United States. Spearfishing does not have the political power that supports and defends rod and reel fishing, so we continue to see these kinds of laws passed that suppress and outlaw spearfishing, while rod and reel fishing continues. The facts show that spearfishing is by far a more environmentally sound method of recreational fish take than rod and reel fishing. While spearfishers can chose the fish they want, rod and reel fishermen have little control over what bites their hooks and lures. "Catch n Release" has become a catchy term among the fishing community, but the facts show that most fish that are caught and released later die from the trauma and damage of being hooked. So while a rod and reel fisherman may end up killing many fish on a day out fishing, a spearfisher will only take the fish that was targeted.
NOAA will be accepting comments from the public on this pending measure until December 31, 2003. Please send your comments to:
graysreefcomments@noaa.gov
Be sure to include your full name and address and telephone number.
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