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Bad News - Washington Lead Ban Press Release
If you didn't get involved because you don't fish for trout on these lakes, then don't blame anyone but yourself when these loons come back for your fishing hooks and fishing line. Everybody's ox got gored on this one; even the loon watchers. When sportsmen no longer buy fishing and hunting licenses let's see how many loons are left in Washington (we stock the trout the loons eat because these lakes have no self-sustaining trout populations).
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact:
ASA, Mary Jane Williamson, 703-519-9691 x 227
BASS, Mark Byrne
TBF, Robert Cartlidge, 580-765-9031
Cascade Musky Association, Mark Wells
NSIA, Liz Hamilton, 503-631-8859
Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission Imposes Lead Fishing Tackle Bans
Recreational fishing community’s efforts dismissed by adoption of unwarranted fishing tackle regulations
Washington, D.C. – December 8, 2010 – Twelve of Washington state’s most popular fishing spots that generate much-needed income for fisheries conservation and habitat restoration through fishing license fees and tackle sales, are now subject to a new regulation that prohibits the use of lead fishing weights and jigs that measure 1.5” or less. On December 4, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted that regulation, along with a ban on fishing flies containing lead at Long Lake in Ferry County. The commission rejected an alternate proposal submitted by five national and regional recreational fishing organizations that incorporated a comprehensive community-based, scientific study of loon and waterfowl mortality and an education program for fishing and boating enthusiasts to minimize disturbances and threats to loons and other water birds.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, whose income, in part, is derived from fishing license fees, argued in favor of the measure that the Commission ultimately adopted, even though their arguments were inconsistent with the Department’s own findings of healthy loon populations and increased nesting sites in the state. Freshwater fishing in Washington contributes over $1 billion annually to the state’s economy and supports over 9,500 jobs.
“Though these regulations have been imposed with the aim of conserving loon populations, the commission overlooked the much more eminent threats to the birds in Washington, such as shoreline development and disease,” said American Sportfishing Association Vice President Gordon Robertson. “Over the past 13 years, advocates of these new regulations have only been able to identify nine loon mortalities from lead fishing tackle ingestion.”
“We are disappointed that the commission did not accept the recreational fishing community’s proposal to assist with the further understanding of loons in Washington,” said Mark Byrne with the Washington Chapter of B.A.S.S. “Our proposal provided a measured and studied approach to a decision that should not have been made until adequate data was available.”
“The decision to ban lead sinkers and jigs in these lakes will have no positive effect on the loon population in Washington,” said Gary Morris of the The Bass Federation (TBF). “A win-win decision would have been a cooperative program between anglers, boaters and the Department of Fish and Wildlife to bolster the understanding of interactions between people who enjoy time on the lake, especially anglers, and loons. We believe our proposal would have added to the body of evidence that is necessary for the commission to make an informed and balanced decision, a decision which we had hoped would be only made once the issue of lead fishing tackle and loons was better understood.”
“The issue of lead-containing fishing tackle and loons tends to be based on emotion, and not on sound scientific data,” said Robertson. “In reality, only a small number of loons die each year from ingesting a lead sinker or jig. Other mortality factors – shoreline development, pollutants such as sewage and run-off - account for the vast majority of loon and other waterfowl deaths.”
The recreational fishing community notes that the commission’s new regulation disregards Washington Governor Gregoire’s Executive Order 10-06, which states that all government agencies, including commissions, are to “suspend rule making that is not immediately necessary.” The Executive Order was issued to help small businesses and communities during Washington’s economic recovery. This newly adopted regulation will negatively impact the state’s economy, job force and fishery conservation funds.
Robertson said, “The arguments presented in Washington were emotionally driven and not based on scientific fact. Unfortunately, the commissioners rejected our proposal, which would have significantly advanced the knowledge base of loons and other waterfowl by bringing anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts into loon conservation projects. It’s difficult to understand why such a proposal was not considered, especially when it came from anglers, the very constituents that pay for fishery conservation in Washington.”
“Despite the lack of data to back up the assertion, the recreational fishing community was offered up as the source of loon mortality,” said Mark Wells with the Cascade Musky Association. “Nothing is further from the truth.”
Wells further said, “The recreational fishing community offered a logical and common-sense, community-based plan that included a high degree of recreational community participation and ultimately provided for a better overall understanding of loon populations. Who better to offer help than people who spend time on the water with these birds?”
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Views: 143
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by D.J. LaRoche on
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Maybe we all need to get together, grab the press and make a run on Olympia. I would love to see thousands of fishermen and women protesting on Gregoire's front lawn!
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Permalink Reply by troy kelly on
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The only problem I see with this is if the WDFW catches wind of a large number of bass fishermen refuseing to purchase a fishing liscence they would probably show up at tournaments with ticket book in hand.
Pat said:i made that decision yesterday when marc posted this topic, i WILL NOT purchase a license in this state and will continue to fish
if we do this as a group maybe they can close their funding gap with a loon watching license
Dana Steiner said:In closing, I would like you to reflect on your own personal thoughts on this matter and ask yourself a few simple questions:
1. Are we gaining ground or losing ground with our current rights as a fisherman?
2. Are you currently content with the direction of the WDFW?
3. Has our current approach been obtaining satisfactory results.
4. Do you believe that someday, we could potentially lose our right to fish?
5. Do you think we are extremely out numbered by tree hugging, Granola eating Berkenstock wearer's?
I'm not advocating complete Chaos. I'm just tired of seeing the sport, hobby and pastime I love fall further behind.
P.S. Joe, it's never to late to right a wrong. Just takes more money!
Regards,
Dana A. Steiner
Joe Jacoby said:
It is probably to late. Once a regulation is in place it is almost impossible to change or get rid of it. But it is time to show the government that the fishing community will not stand for them telling us what to do. Their lack of a complete study and the fact that they did not pay any attention to the public input is enough for me to start campaigning against all those in office at this time. They have to again believe that they work for us and we do not take this kind of stupidity lying down. Those of you who did not reply to this must get off your butts and get behind any of the organizations that opposed it in the first place.
It might be to late to change it but it is not to late to let them know how the fishing community feels about it and how precarious there jobs are.
Gary Lucas said:I wounder what lakes are next? At what point in time are we going to stand tall and not grab our ankles. Envirormenltlist portest all the time and make the news and it seem to work for them -
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Permalink Reply by Pat on
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PROFILING!!!
troy kelly said:The only problem I see with this is if the WDFW catches wind of a large number of bass fishermen refuseing to purchase a fishing liscence they would probably show up at tournaments with ticket book in hand.
Pat said:i made that decision yesterday when marc posted this topic, i WILL NOT purchase a license in this state and will continue to fish
if we do this as a group maybe they can close their funding gap with a loon watching license
Dana Steiner said:In closing, I would like you to reflect on your own personal thoughts on this matter and ask yourself a few simple questions:
1. Are we gaining ground or losing ground with our current rights as a fisherman?
2. Are you currently content with the direction of the WDFW?
3. Has our current approach been obtaining satisfactory results.
4. Do you believe that someday, we could potentially lose our right to fish?
5. Do you think we are extremely out numbered by tree hugging, Granola eating Berkenstock wearer's?
I'm not advocating complete Chaos. I'm just tired of seeing the sport, hobby and pastime I love fall further behind.
P.S. Joe, it's never to late to right a wrong. Just takes more money!
Regards,
Dana A. Steiner
Joe Jacoby said:
It is probably to late. Once a regulation is in place it is almost impossible to change or get rid of it. But it is time to show the government that the fishing community will not stand for them telling us what to do. Their lack of a complete study and the fact that they did not pay any attention to the public input is enough for me to start campaigning against all those in office at this time. They have to again believe that they work for us and we do not take this kind of stupidity lying down. Those of you who did not reply to this must get off your butts and get behind any of the organizations that opposed it in the first place.
It might be to late to change it but it is not to late to let them know how the fishing community feels about it and how precarious there jobs are.
Gary Lucas said:I wounder what lakes are next? At what point in time are we going to stand tall and not grab our ankles. Envirormenltlist portest all the time and make the news and it seem to work for them -
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Permalink Reply by Rodney Heupel on
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How many fishing boats in tow would it take to shut down the capital and I-5. Have all the anglers wear their fishing licenses on a lanyard or ID badge like pin. This fight must be fought with well thought out plans, not hot off of the cuff anger.
WCCT said:Maybe we all need to get together, grab the press and make a run on Olympia. I would love to see thousands of fishermen and women protesting on Gregoire's front lawn!
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Permalink Reply by Mike Stahlman on
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Profiling is only illegal if you can prove it. Dana I love Birkenstocks!
Where is Tim Eyman when you need him. And Troy you are correct in your statement but I dont trust you actually typed that email! How many times is your email account going to get hacked and send me random emails? C'mon man
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Permalink Reply by RFatt16 on
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Dana- I know i wouldn't have my gear confiscated on a first offense but the goal would be to lower the WDFW funds. If someone gets a ticket they would likely go get a lic after that so they wouldn't get a 2nd infraction. Then you just gave them a ticket worth of funds and a lic..
There has to be a good way to protest this BS ruling. We just need to find it
Rodney you might be on to something.
Dana Steiner said:Well guy's, glad to see this helped to escalate the discussion that Marc Marcantonio got started. Let me respond to a few of the replies:
Pat, utilize discretion. Never show the opposition your winning hand.
RFatt16 I doubt very much you would have your boat and gear confiscated for a first time infraction, for fishing with out a valid license. Now if you were poaching fish and game or retaining wild Steelhead when you're not supposed to - different story. If you were caught without a valid license, I'm sure you could muster up an Oscar worthy performance to get off with a warning or minimal fine.
WCCT, a disruption at Olympia would receive some press coverage, but I doubt it would help gain real results.
Troy Kelly, I would never be stupid enough to volunteer to line up in front of a firing squad. Many wars have been won, by the decisions of a few behind closed doors. I think you are kinda of missing the point here!
Rodney Heupel, you are right on. Never respond to a situation based on anger or emotion. Take time to evaluate the situation, plan your strategy, then strike with everything you got. No time for p**** footin around.
Mike Stahlman, It's O.K. if you like Birkenstocks. However, if I see you out hugging trees in a tie dye shirt?
Regards,
Dana A. Steiner
Mike Stahlman said:
Profiling is only illegal if you can prove it. Dana I love Birkenstocks!
Where is Tim Eyman when you need him. And Troy you are correct in your statement but I dont trust you actually typed that email! How many times is your email account going to get hacked and send me random emails? C'mon man
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Permalink Reply by Shawn O'Connell on
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Actually this has worked several times on separate issues. Of course this is not the only step, but when elected officials see their constiuents parked on the lawn it brings the issue to the forefront. It doesn't matter that the WDFW officials are not elected, they will feel the heat from those that are. The squeaky wheel gets greased. We were naive and participated in the process that they established under good faith. It is time to start our own process. I would be all in on this and think that it is a good idea.
Not purchasing a license would hinder WDFW's budget to be sure but would not be the correct signal to send to those unfamiliar with the issue. We get checked regularly on the river here and there are quite a few bodies of water where they have a regular precense.
There have been several national fishing organizations involved in this and I would not be suprised if they didn't pursue this matter further. I believe there will be a sense of urgency to not let this decision become a basis of future decisions elsewhere.
Also it would need to not only be bass boats on the lawns in Olympia, it would need to be all fishing boats. The fly fishermen also got nuked in this one and that is a large population that feels very strongly about their hobby.
Marc is the political "go to" guy so I would like to hear his thoughts on this. It might also be time for a Stilen post!
WCCT said:
Maybe we all need to get together, grab the press and make a run on Olympia. I would love to see thousands of fishermen and women protesting on Gregoire's front lawn!
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Permalink Reply by Marc Marcantonio on
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A protest can be effective. In California bass anglers have in the past called attention to political issues affecting bass fishing by organizing bass anglers to drive their bass boats around the State Capitol en masse.
I am considering other tactics as well. I am not a fan of "protests" or of taking legal action, but we obviously need to take some action. This is going to take some thought, planning, and commitment; and we need to get it right. I think the first thing we need to find is a good attorney that is a friend of bass anglers and is willing to help out pro bono. It would also be helpful to find an angler willing to help that has the ear of the Governor. Any ideas are welcomed.
ciao,
Marc
Shawn O'Connell said:Actually this has worked several times on separate issues. Of course this is not the only step, but when elected officials see their constiuents parked on the lawn it brings the issue to the forefront. It doesn't matter that the WDFW officials are not elected, they will feel the heat from those that are. The squeaky wheel gets greased. We were naive and participated in the process that they established under good faith. It is time to start our own process. I would be all in on this and think that it is a good idea.
Not purchasing a license would hinder WDFW's budget to be sure but would not be the correct signal to send to those unfamiliar with the issue. We get checked regularly on the river here and there are quite a few bodies of water where they have a regular precense.
There have been several national fishing organizations involved in this and I would not be suprised if they didn't pursue this matter further. I believe there will be a sense of urgency to not let this decision become a basis of future decisions elsewhere.
Also it would need to not only be bass boats on the lawns in Olympia, it would need to be all fishing boats. The fly fishermen also got nuked in this one and that is a large population that feels very strongly about their hobby.
Marc is the political "go to" guy so I would like to hear his thoughts on this. It might also be time for a Stilen post!
WCCT said:
Maybe we all need to get together, grab the press and make a run on Olympia. I would love to see thousands of fishermen and women protesting on Gregoire's front lawn!
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Permalink Reply by Stuart Squires on
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Keith Brooks said:Elections have consequences... WA voters keep electing liberals like Gregoire who prefer feelings over facts, and who will always side with the "victim". This outcome was clearly decided long ago and all the meetings and public input were purely for show... -
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Permalink Reply by Jordan Doucet on
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Let me know how I/Wafish could help.
Jordan
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Permalink Reply by Josh Potter on
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There is no doubt that this decision was made well in advance of any public input. The public input aspect of these things is always for show. I spent the last 2 years working with the NE Region of WDFW on a proposal for a rule change in the white tail deer hunting regulations. I was part of an advisory board that spent 100's of man hours working on this project. We went through all of the public input bullshit (all for show) reached an overwhelming consesus and when it all came down to it the department made their decision and it went completely against the public input and the advisory board. I learned that the decision was made long before any of the work we did was started. Unfortunately gorilla tactics such as some already mentioned are probably the only actions that COULD have an affect.
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Permalink Reply by Gary Lucas on
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The presure for these kind of jugements are coming form the top and we need to find out who it is! The WDFW has a boss and we need to talk to them. Most likly Cal. pepole that moved up here and are now in office!
Josh Potter said:There is no doubt that this decision was made well in advance of any public input. The public input aspect of these things is always for show. I spent the last 2 years working with the NE Region of WDFW on a proposal for a rule change in the white tail deer hunting regulations. I was part of an advisory board that spent 100's of man hours working on this project. We went through all of the public input b******* (all for show) reached an overwhelming consesus and when it all came down to it the department made their decision and it went completely against the public input and the advisory board. I learned that the decision was made long before any of the work we did was started. Unfortunately gorilla tactics such as some already mentioned are probably the only actions that COULD have an affect.
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