Geo. Bergeron wrote: (In response to Keith's post:) > > As there were only 5 or 6 seals in this group > >I don't think they were in any danger of trampling themselves. [snip] Had lots of unavoidable interactions with seals up here, and I agree with Keith. I have surely NEVER intentionally paddled up on a haulout (even one with only a few seals), but have often rounded a corner only to come on a handful ashore, both in the Columbia River, and on the West Coast of BC. Stuff happens. > >You say that kayaks may be more > >disturbing to wildlife than motorized craft. I differ with you there. [snip] I disagree with Keith, and agree with Craig Olson -- who says yaks *may* be more upsetting to marine mammals than motorized craft. FWIW, there is lots of documentation supporting the greater impact on BIRDS from a human silhouette than from an automobile (even a slowly moving one). I suspect there is no "one" answer, and that the situation and animal has more to do with it than anything else. (Now this is George:) > If you want to be "consistent with respecting and protecting them" > you need to realize that ANY human contact is a potential threat to > protected species. What part of the APPLICATION OF THE FEDERAL PROTECTION > LAW TO YOUR ACTIONS do you not get? Whooaaa! Chill, George! Seems clear Keith and company "stumbled" on the seals, and did not "pursue" the whales -- the whales "stumbled" on Keith and party. Lotta gray areas here. I bet the next time Keith returns to that spot, he will be aware of the haulout area and pursue a different route -- he seems like a reasonable guy. FWIW, nobody up here gets ticketed for actions like Keith describes -- only folks who are obviously intent on marine mammal harassment. Big time tolerance policy, I think. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR high priest of the "be reasonable to marine mammals" religion *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Apr 08 1998 - 16:58:54 PDT
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