Obama Administration - Federal Fishery (update)

[bearpaw]

Obama administration will accept no more public input for Federal Fishery Strategy   
By Rober Montgomery
ESPN Outdoors.com

The Obama administration will accept no more public input for a federal strategy that could prohibit U.S. citizens from fishing the nation's oceans, coastal areas, Great Lakes, and even inland waters.
 
AP/Luis M. Alvarez One sign at the United We Fish rally at the Capital summed up the feelings of recreational and commercial fishermen.

This announcement comes at the time when the situation supposedly still is "fluid" and the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force still hasn't issued its final report on zoning uses of these waters.

That's a disappointment, but not really a surprise for fishing industry insiders who have negotiated for months with officials at the Council on Environmental Quality and bureaucrats on the task force. These angling advocates have come to suspect that public input into the process was a charade from the beginning.

"When the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) completed their successful campaign to convince the Ontario government to end one of the best scientifically managed big game hunts in North America (spring bear), the results of their agenda had severe economic impacts on small family businesses and the tourism economy of communities across northern and central Ontario," said Phil Morlock, director of environmental affairs for Shimano.

"Now we see NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and the administration planning the future of recreational fishing access in America based on a similar agenda of these same groups and other Big Green anti-use organizations, through an Executive Order by the President. The current U.S. direction with fishing is a direct parallel to what happened in Canada with hunting: The negative economic impacts on hard working American families and small businesses are being ignored."

"In spite of what we hear daily in the press about the President's concern for jobs and the economy and contrary to what he stated in the June order creating this process, we have seen no evidence from NOAA or the task force that recreational fishing and related jobs are receiving any priority."
 
Fisheries In Danger
Consequently, unless anglers speak up and convince their Congressional representatives to stop this bureaucratic freight train, it appears that the task force will issue a final report for "marine spatial planning" by late March, with President Barack Obama then issuing an Executive Order to implement its recommendations — whatever they may be.

Led by NOAA's Jane Lubchenco, the task force has shown no overt dislike of recreational angling, but its indifference to the economic, social and biological value of the sport has been deafening.

Additionally, Lubchenco and others in the administration have close ties to environmental groups who would like nothing better than to ban recreational angling. And evidence suggests that these organizations have been the engine behind the task force since before Obama issued a memo creating it last June.

As ESPN previously reported, WWF, Greenpeace, Defenders of Wildlife, Pew Environment Group and others produced a document entitled "Transition Green" shortly after Obama was elected in 2008. What has happened since suggests that the task force has been in lockstep with that position paper.

Then in late summer, just after he created the task force, these groups produced "Recommendations for the Adoption and Implementation of an Oceans, Coasts, and Great Lakes National Policy." This document makes repeated references to "overfishing," but doesn't once reference recreational angling, its importance, and its benefits, both to participants and the resource.

Additionally, some of these same organizations have revealed their anti-fishing bias by playing fast and loose with "facts," in attempts to ban tackle containing lead in the United States and Canada.

That same tunnel vision, in which recreational angling and commercial fishing are indiscriminately lumped together as harmful to the resource, has persisted with the task force, despite protests by the angling industry.

As more evidence of collusion, the green groups began clamoring for an Executive Order to implement the task force's recommendations even before the public comment period ended in February. Fishing advocates had no idea that this was coming.

Perhaps not so coincidentally, the New York Times reported on Feb. 12 that "President Obama and his team are preparing an array of actions using his executive power to advance energy, environmental, fiscal and other domestic policy priorities."

Morlock fears that "what we're seeing coming at us is an attempted dismantling of the science-based fish and wildlife model that has served us so well. There's no basis in science for the agendas of these groups who are trying to push the public out of being able to fish and recreate.

"Conflicts (user) are overstated and problems are manufactured. It's all just an excuse to put us off the water."
In the wake of the task force's framework document, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) and its partners in the U.S. Recreational Fishing & Boating Coalition against voiced their concerns to the administration.

"Some of the potential policy implications of this interim framework have the potential to be a real threat to recreational anglers who not only contribute billions of dollars to the economy and millions of dollars in tax revenues to support fisheries conservation, but who are also the backbone of the American fish and wildlife conservation ethic," said CSF President Jeff Crane.

Morlock, a member of the CSF board, added, "There are over one million jobs in America supported coast to coast by recreational fishing. The task force has not included any accountability requirements in their reports for evaluating or mitigating how the new policies they are drafting will impact the fishing industry or related economies. Given that the scope of this process appears to include a new set of policies for all coastal and inland waters of the United States, the omission of economic considerations is inexcusable."

This is not the only access issue threatening the public's right to fish, but it definitely is the most serious, according to
Chris Horton, national conservation director for BASS.
"With what's being created, the same principles could apply inland as apply to the oceans," he said. "Under the guise of 'marine spatial planning' entire watersheds could be shut down, even 2,000 miles up a river drainage from the ocean."

"Every angler needs to be aware because if it's not happening in your backyard today or tomorrow, it will be eventually.
We have one of the largest voting blocks in the country and we need to use it. We must not sit idly by."
 
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http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/fishing/featureIndex?page=angling_for_access_archive_Angling%20For%20Access%20News%20Archive

[Shootmoore]

Already shot off my emails, got 1 reply back the typical keep your thoughts in mind.

Shootmoore

[shoot-em-dead]

There is no way that public/commercial fishing is going to be shut down. Way to much money is made in America by this sport. Obuma passes a bill like that and he would be impeached faster than a knockout by Chuck Norris.

[bearpaw]

I would like to think all this is just hype that means nothing. But there are a lot of things going on which need watched closely by the American people.

http://westinstenv.org/wildpeop/2010/03/08/defenders-of-wildlife-general-counsel-appointed-to-us-justice-dept/

Defenders of Wildlife General Counsel Appointed to US Justice Dept.

Bob Dreher, the General Counsel of the Defenders of Wildlife, a litigious lobbying group that has sued the US Government hundreds of times, has been appointed Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General to oversee the Natural Resources and Wildlife and Marine Resources sections of the US Dept. of Justice.

Dreher has also previously served as co-managing director of the Washington, D.C. office of the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund (now Earthjustice).

Defenders and Earthjustice are among the groups that have bled the American taxpayer for $4.7 billion in legal fees through the Equal Opportunity to Justice Act [here]. Defenders has ongoing lawsuits currently in Federal courts regarding wolves, plovers, turtles, caribou, wolverines, right whales, jaguars, sage-grouse, and who knows what else.

Now the Obama Administration has hired the Defenders General Counsel to oppose the very lawsuits he brought against the government.
Conflict of interest? More like deliberate sabotage of the public interest on behalf of a well-healed lobbying group.

What next? Will Barack Hussein Obama appoint Osama Bin Laden to be on the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Armed Forces? Will he appoint Bernie Madoff to run the Federal Reserve?
What does Congress think? Can Congress think?
Who does this country belong to, the citizens or an evil cabal of anti-American saboteurs?

Don’t believe me? Here’s the US Dept. of Justice announcement:
Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Friday, March 5, 2010 [here]
Assistant Attorney General Ignacia S. Moreno Announces Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Senior Leadership
WASHINGTON—Ignacia S. Moreno, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), today announced the members of the division’s senior leadership. The announcement came on the same day that Assistant Attorney General Moreno was officially installed by Attorney General Eric Holder as the division’s head.
“I am pleased to welcome this team of outstanding and committed professionals who will join the hard working and talented civil servants who make up the Environment and Natural Resources Division. They hail from environmental groups, academia, government and private practice, and will put this experience to good use in vigorously enforcing our nation’s environmental laws and defending agency actions and environmental statutes,” said Assistant Attorney General Moreno.

The leadership team includes: …
Robert Dreher, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General—
As a seasoned environmental lawyer, Dreher has extensive experience in conservation policy, environmental law and natural resources management. He has represented environmental organizations, federal agencies, tribes and businesses in a variety of environmental matters. Dreher previously served as senior vice president for Climate Change and Conservation Law and General Counsel of Defenders of Wildlife. Prior to this, he served as Deputy Executive Director of the Georgetown Environmental Law &; Policy Institute at Georgetown University Law Center, and as deputy general counsel of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Earlier in his career, he was a staff and co-managing attorney of the Washington, D.C. office of the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund (now Earthjustice). Representing tribes, government agencies, businesses and environmental groups in solo private practice, he served as counsel to the law firm Troutman Sanders LLC and as an associate at the Boston firm Hill & Barlow. He has taught federal natural resources law at The George Washington University Law School and at Georgetown University Law Center. Dreher received his J.D. from Yale Law School, a Masters in American Civilization from Brown University, and his undergraduate degree from Harvard College.
Dreher will oversee the Natural Resources and Wildlife and Marine Resources sections.

[Ray]

Par for the course. I can imagine the backlash in the elections if someone was to try and banish sport fishing. It would be an enormous blow to that party. The only positive outlook is that most of this could be undone with a new Presidential election. It's not uncommon for lame duck presidents to resort to constant Presidential moves like this. Except this person has both houses of the legislative branches on his side at the current time. Which makes me wonder what he'll do if he loses that so called advantage.  A lot of this is executive powers policies which can change like the wind. I don't agree with any of the above changes.

[MichaelJ]

Would love to hear what Uncle Ted is gonna say when he hears this....

Michael

[sako223]

Looks like Robert Montgomery spent some time crafting the article to make it really look like something. I don't believe for one second they have intentions to stop fishing.

[bearpaw]

One thing I do know, Defenders of Wildlife and other like orgs. have cost the taxpayers of this country huge amounts of money with their lawsuits, and they have not helped hunters or fisherman, now one of their lawyers appears to be becoming part of the Obama administration.

True, Obama needs to throw them a bone, they are pissed at him because he allowed wolf hunting to occur. But what cost is that bone going to be to sports folks?

I hope you can all see how Defenders have infiltrated the WDFW and the affects that has had on the proposed wolf plan....

[bearpaw]

I thought "fishinggate" was pretty interesting, especially in conjunction with this new "Defenders" appointment.  

It seems to me that very few hunters asked for wolves, but guess what...

[Shootmoore]

Sako They will not ban fishing everywhere at first, just "selected" waters.  They will say that its only to protect certain species of fish.  Then this will slowly be expanded to cover more water, take a little here a little there.

If you don't believe it come up and try to fish the Skagit River, oh wait you can't it is completly shut down by NOAA due to according to them not enough "wild" steelhead.  It will not re-open till at least sometime in June.  How hard will it be for them to expand that to cover other rivers, the salt etc etc?  It is already happening, and if this executive order goes through expect this ideology to expand.

The Upper Columbia and the Methow River were shut down for salmon, steelhead and trout fishing for several years under NOAA with Clinton in Office.  How hard will it be for them to take one more step in the process to protect springers and steelhead by a complete closure to avoid "accidental catch"?  If they can close the the upper, how hard would it be to extend that to the entire river?  Since those same protected species come up the entire river, then expand it to the salt since that is where they grow?

It is possible and they will divide it up taking a bit here and a bit there.  Avoiding a nationwide upproar by taking away from a group here and a group there.

Shootmoore

[blackhorn]

GRRRRR!!!!!

[singleshot12]

I wonder if any of this has anything to do with "us" just having a privilege to fish and the "native Americans" having exclusive rights to fishing? hmmm?

[lokidog]

They'll shut down Puget Sound fishing for everything on the pretext of rockfish conservation....  Never mind that the harbor seal's diet is like 60+% herring, the foodbase for salmon and other fish in the sound.

I have no problem with scientific regulation and management of fisheries stocks but just shutting down fishing because they scream when you hook them is just insane. 

[sako223]

Well I have seen some restrictions that have affected me a little in the past. I have felt that WDFW is responsible for ruining a lot of the fishing.

[bearpaw]

On the state level it would be nice to get some legislation introduced in the next session and eventually passed when politics are right, that would guarantee state management by science.

On the federal level that would be nice too, but much harder to accomplish.

[Shootmoore]

Anyone seen this years fishing pamphlet yet?  I heard yesterday that it is not going to be pretty.

Shootmoore

[BigGoonTuna]

for the puget sound region it's looking like WDFW is going the way of the old department of game for fishing seasons.  that is, (as far as streams are concerned) if it's not listed in the pamphlet as open, then it's closed by default.  not a big deal for most people, but those of us who like fishing no-name creeks in the summer, it's gonna shut down a lot of opportunity.

just gets worse every year doesn't it?  the seasons get shorter and the fishing still gets worse.

[Shootmoore]

for the puget sound region it's looking like WDFW is going the way of the old department of game for fishing seasons.  that is, (as far as streams are concerned) if it's not listed in the pamphlet as open, then it's closed by default.  not a big deal for most people, but those of us who like fishing no-name creeks in the summer, it's gonna shut down a lot of opportunity.

just gets worse every year doesn't it?  the seasons get shorter and the fishing still gets worse.

Yep that is what I heard as well.  I was advised that this is a push by NOAA and that it was thrown in the mix late, causing the bio's to not get all the waters they wanted open into the pamphlete.  From what I am hearing under this administration NOAA is taking over more control of the ESA listed wild steelhead.

What this means for fisherman that like to fish the little no name creeks out hiking etc, where it used to be open by default it is now closed.  I had a couple little no name creeks that I used fish with a fly for brookies, since I can not find a name for them they will be closed by default this year.

Shootmoore

[bearpaw]

This is a travesty, America must be vigilant come election time or we will see things continue to worsen.

[bearpaw]

http://www.ussportsmen.org/Page.aspx?pid=2378&frcrld=1

Sport Anglers Alarmed by Proposed Obama Policy

3/18/10

A controversy has erupted in the sport fishing community over a new federal management plan for oceans and Great Lakes waters. Recent opinion pieces circulating on the internet and reported on numerous radio stations have stoked the flames through revelations that the policy, if implemented, would prohibit recreational fishing within vast areas of public water.

It has also been reported that many organizations with a history of being against fishing access played large roles in its formation and that the plan could be finalized by the end of March with President Obama able to implement it through Executive Order. 

Despite the firestorm, it should be pointed out that the plan is not currently finalized and, according to a Department of the Interior fact sheet, the Administration denies any intent to restrict fishing access.  However, there remain causes for concern.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) reported on the draft plan in October, 2009.  At the time a combination of factors raised concern with the USSA and other pro-fishing organizations that plan could result in restrictions on sport anglers.

First, there was a lack of any reference in the report to the positive impact recreational anglers have on aquatic conservation.  In turn, this raised an alarm as to what the framework for zoning in these waters will be when the final report is issued. 

Other factors included a history of anti-fishing interests that have been pushing the creation of “Marine Protected Areas” where angling would be prevented.  Several of these areas already exist off theCalifornia and Florida coasts. 

Additionally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that guides the use and protection of ocean and coastal resources, has also imposed restrictions on sport anglers in Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic.  Finally, there is a general concern related to some of the key anti-hunting regulatory appointees made by the Obama Administration such as Cass Sunstein.

When looked at comprehensively, these factors made it necessary that the USSA and other groups ensure that the voice of recreational anglers be heard by the Administration during the formation of its policy.  According to several leading recreational fishing groups, this has not happened and those groups have urged supporters to make their concerns known to their members of Congress. 

For example, the American Sportfishing Association has stated  “It is important that the administration recognizes and promotes the economic and conservation contributions of outdoor recreation, including recreational fishing and boating.”

Jim Donofrio, the Executive Director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) said in a recent press release that “I don't think this president would consider banning recreational fishing outright, but it's clear to us that the Obama Administration would like to severely restrict recreational fishing."

Additionally, the U.S. House of Representatives Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus leadership, with the support of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, has also sent a letter to President Obama stating that recreational fishing deserves “full consideration and incorporation” in the proposed plan.

The USSA joins these pro-fishing organizations, legislators and others in urging sportsmen to contact their U.S. Representatives and Senators about this proposed policy. It is essential that the Obama Administration appreciates the importance of recreational fishing to conservation and local economies. 

“Recreational anglers provide the bulk of the funding for fisheries and aquatic conservation,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president and CEO.  “Their voice should be heard before any policy is enacted limiting access and causing a decline in resources for conservation, not to mention job losses in areas supported by fishing.”

 Take Action! Sportsmen are urged to contact their U.S. Representative and two U.S. Senators and urge them to include recreational fishing protections in any federal management plan for the oceans and Great Lakes.

To find your members of Congress, visit the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lac.

[bearpaw]

I beleive there should be restraints written into this to prevent any restrictions...