Aquiles has a pretty good idea here...
I know I live too far from anyone's favorite fishing grounds (and problems). I have to do 20m dives for fish that cannot be compared in any way to any of the species I see on photographs and hear great stories about here.
Unfortunately, our problems are not so much with the authorities or with radical environmentalists... There are very clear and common ways to to fight those off. As I mentioned in another thread - we don't even need a fishing permit to spearfish here, and it's only because we've proved to be responsible for years. Our problems are purely environmental - it's a fact - the Black sea is the most overfished commercially and overpolluted sea in Europe.
Every single year, I'm trying to sneak in the heads of the members of our Federation and try to plant the idea that it's about time for us to do something more than just be responsible. This obviously doesn't help enough.
As a start I would like to see all the spearos, members of our Federation, with a log. This log can be quite simple and reflect clear data on every dive - time of the dive, place, Metheo conditions (wind, waves) , visibility, fish spotted (species), fish speared (species) unusual behaviour, and general notes.
Each year, the spearos will submit their logs to the Federation for processing the data. An annual report can be produced, based on the data collected and scientists invited to make the necessary assusmptions. This report can be submitted to all interrested organizations - environmental one, marine institutes, Ministry of environment and Waters, Fisheries and Aquatic Cultures Agency, etc. And the Federation itself may undertake environmental measures each year also based on this report.
I think this can be a nice start. Cause we, the freedivers, should be and we're able to be the frontposts monitoring for any signs of future problems. We're the ones who see with our own eyes the damage the mankind can do to the sea. Because onshore, for the general public, it's only words.
But so far my idea cannot be introduced... Because the Federation doesn't have the money to print such logs. Sometimes I'm wondering - should I shave my anyways balding head and go to a monastery! :duh
Anyway. Just wanted to share this with you, guys, cause I fight this little battle every year. Sorry bout the long post...
Ivan