FLORIDA, (25 Oct 2001) -- In a last-ditch attempt to prevent the State of Florida from prohibiting thrill-dive tour operators from feeding sharks and other dangerous marine predators close to Florida's beaches, attorneys for the California-based Dive Marketing Equipment Association (DEMA) filed suit last week against the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FFWCC). The suit, filed in Leon Co. (Florida) Circuit Court, challenges the FFWCC's proposed rule that would ban the feeding of all marine life by divers in all State waters. DEMA and other elements of the dive industry have steadfastly claimed that there is no evidence that these activities are harmful to marine life or endanger people. However, the results of two years of information gathering and public hearings on these issues have convinced the FFWCC otherwise. According to Commission Chairman David Meehan, "Feeding marine life disrupts the natural behavior and feeding habits of fish and other animals. That is not in the best interest of marine life, and it could pose a threat to public safety." That assessment is shared by many prominent marine conservation organizations, a number of which have gone on record in support of the proposed ban. It is also backed up by some troubling facts. George Burgess, who maintains the world renowned International Shark Attack File at the University of Florida reported that, "more than a dozen injuries have occurred (at shark feeding sites) in the last several years, at least two quite serious". Federal wildlife protection officials have also expressed overt support for the Commission decision. The Acting Superintendent of Biscayne Bay National Park wrote the Commission, "we would encourage legislators to promulgate rules similar to our regulations to protect all marine creatures and fish from adverse influences…any attempt to manipulate the natural life cycles…such as fish feeding, would be contrary to the mission and values of the National Park Service". | | The latest legal maneuver by DEMA appears to be the opening volley in a promised all-out industry campaign. Following the Commission decision on September 6 to proceed with the rule making process that would finalize the proposed ban, DEMA attorney and lobbyist Mr. Bob Harris defiantly proclaimed, "If this rule comes out, we're going to take every step we can to make sure it doesn't go into effect". Mr. Bob Dimond, President of the Marine Safety Group (the Florida environmental group that first petitioned the FFWCC to consider this issue) responded to news of the suit with some surprise. "It strikes me as amazing that a global industry that loudly touts itself as a 'protector of the marine environment' would actually sue the State of Florida for exercising its mandate to protect wildlife and ensure the safe enjoyment of our ocean by everyone." Dimond thinks that the latest industry ploy will backfire. "We are sure that the Commission will not be swayed in its duty by this diversion", he stated. "All this action really accomplishes is to show the world the true colors of the dive marketing industry - where the bottom line trumps environmental concerns every time". © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
