FLORIDA (13 Sep 2002) -- Both recreational boaters and conservationists expressed criticism of 10 new manatee protection zones on the Florida Gulf coast. Boaters say the new regulations discriminate against local residents and boaters, but fail to effectively protect manatees. "I'm sick and tired of environmentalists telling me where and when I can fish, and how fast I can go," said sport fisher Fred Davis who owns a 28-ft high-speed sport fishing boat. But environmentalists say the regulations don't go far enough to protect manatees from recreational boaters, and criticized the FWC for caving into pressure, primarily from recreational fishing groups, to relax restrictions on boat traffic, a primary cause of death and injury to the slow-moving marine mammals. Patti Thompson of the Save the Manatee Club, which has led the campaign to protect endangered manatees, told reporters she was disappointed, especially with changes the FWC made in the Indian River and Peace River areas. | | Manatee and calf "The commission (FWC) weakened recommendations that were already marginal," said Thompson. The commission defended the new regulations describing the new protection zones and changes as a necessary and appropriate balance between conservation of manatees and recreational use of coastal waters. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORKSCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba Forum |
