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

From: Dave Kruger <dkruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Fri, 05 May 2000 20:52:55 -0700
dogstar wrote:
> 
> Thanks, Dave, for the idea of a brochure.  I'm a freelance writer but - duh! - never
> thought of that.  It could be updated periodically as more knowledge was added.  I
> also appreciate Bruce McC's warning that simply alerting people to sensitive areas -
> and encouraging them to act responsibly -  can bring on the hordes, many of whom
> aren't responsible.
> 
> 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?  

Difficult call.  So much depends on the local situation.  If it is "known" by
very few, and held to be "special" by the locals, maybe it is best to keep
quiet.

OTOH, if it is becoming widely known, the secret is out anyway, and it needs
aggressive protection, per someone else's posting (forget who).  It might be
worth to do a little "informational paddling" in the vicinity of the spot
if/when larger groups visit it.  You'll probably get harrassed for being nosy,
but in the end I suspect the legal penalties for harrassing orcas will
intimidate most potential abusers of the privilege.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR

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Received on Fri May 05 2000 - 20:52:16 PDT

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