RE: [Paddlewise] The Ocean is Big, Our Impact Bigger

From: Seng, Dave <Dave_Seng_at_health.state.ak.us>
Date: Fri, 5 May 2000 09:44:30 -0800
> -----Original Message-----
> From: malisle [mailto:malisle_at_island.net]
> Sent: Friday, May 05, 2000 5:53 AM

snip
> 
> Which brings me to something else I'd like input on.... say 
> there is a small rubbing
> beach which gets orcas during the summer - not daily, not on 
> a schedule of any sort -
> but often enough to be notable and exciting.  It also has 
> fairly easy access, both by
> car and by boat.  In writing this brochure - or any other 
> guidebook for that matter -
> is it better to mention it and include reasonable guidelines 
> for behavior - or
> downplay or ignore it?  This has repeatedly come up within 
> our local tourism group.

  I don't think that you can really hide things like this - eventually they
become known.  And then THEY will come - some with good intentions who care
deeply about the world they walk in, others will be well-meaning, but
ignorant, louts, and every type in between.  The area will be changed, the
animals' behavior will change, and the process of life & death will go on
changed once again by man's unwelcome intrusion.  It's far better to address
the issues and lobby to protect the area and the animals.  Publish
information regarding responsible viewing and behavior.  Educate the public,
educate the tourists, educate the politicians (OK, maybe that's too much to
ask) - take action now - before it's too late.  If you try to hide the issue
or simply choose to not address you may find yourselves (and the resident
orcas) "Overtaken By Events".  That would be sad.

Dave Seng
Juneau, Alaska
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Received on Fri May 05 2000 - 10:42:28 PDT

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