In a message dated 5/5/00 5:02:47 AM !!!First Boot!!!, dkruger_at_pacifier.com writes: << Here's a start: Figure out the sensitive areas (bird nesting places, seal/sea lion haulouts, fragile shoreside places) and the off-limits places (private beaches, floats, docks, islands, etc.) and publish a little brochure to hand out to B and B visitors and at outfitters/paddleshops and the Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Center which explains and identifies those places. >> This is the tricky part. You may be genuinely concerned when you identify and publish nesting/sensitive areas, but, I will guarantee there are others that will use your well intentioned info to exploit the resource. How about this? Manatees are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. You are not allowed to feed, water, harass or do anything that might alter their behavior. This is Federal Law with potentially stiff penalties. Every year tens of thousands of people seek them out at some of their most popular wintering spots. These Manatee are exploited by state and private commercial interests, as well as individual tourists. No one wishes them harm. Fact is that only time will tell if these interactions are detrimental to the creature. This is the case with establishing carrying capacities for sensitive areas, it takes time to establish these numbers. If you scare birds of their nests (some species, not all) they may not return to that nest. Their won't be any hatchlings that season or they may not return to the area next year. If the area is not monitored, the negative impact may not be noted for years, too late. It should be obvious by now that this issue is important to me. I would welcome further discussion back channel or otherwise. Thanks, Bruce McC WEO *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Fri May 05 2000 - 04:13:54 PDT
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