Re: [Paddlewise] day trip report

From: Michael R Noyes <mnoyes_at_ix.netcom.com>
Date: Thu, 09 Apr 1998 08:56:00 -0400
Geo. Bergeron wrote:

>
>
>         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 ACTONS do you not get?
>

It sounded to me as if he understands the act fully.  He did not seek out the
seals, and did not stick around when he stumbled upon them.  Although he
deliberately went to an area where he believed whales would be, he did not try
to approach them when they appeared.
The only caution I have on this is that seals ARE more afraid of kayaks than
they are of motorboats.  This has been documented. (see
http://www.qed.com/ack/ack/1994/april_94.htm#seals1)   But again, he did not
stick around to "harass" them.  Just being out on the water makes some contact
unavoidable, which is why the act states that it is ok to allow the animal to
approach you.

Mike
--
The only substitute for good manners is fast reflexes.


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Received on Thu Apr 09 1998 - 05:57:18 PDT

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