Jackie said: <snip> <Regardless of where you stand on the issue, it is important that paddlers be educated and at least be informed of the laws and their purpose, and consequences for violating those laws.> Thanks Mom for giving us a bit of steerage on this. The debate sparked has at least been interesting though. What was that you said a few posts back about PW being "all over the planet"? The range and diversity of opinions and perspectives represented here certainly has been "all over the planet" so to speak. I know kayakers have been implicated here in the Pacific Northwest as often being part of the problem with respect to killer whale (Orca) harassment. In comparison to commercial whale watching operations, the impact is certainly a drop in the bucket but, never the less, a factor. Other harassment issues have arisen here in the "Salish Sea", including problems with sensitive bird populations, as well as other marine mammals, especially around Spring time. I agree that we need to all be aware of local laws and protocols, using them as a basis for decision making, along with what common sense dictates. We also need to go further. I would admonish all paddlers to better inform themselves of the seasonal and species variables. There are times of the year when common creatures such as seals, should not be approached. At other times of the year, some bird colonies would be very much disrupted by your perturbing intrusion onto "their" island or beach. We owe it to the sport to educate ourselves about our paddling area, places to avoid, and when and when not certain creatures should be approached - and from what distance. This applies to researching an intended paddling area. Nature is cruel and harsh enough as it is, without our untimely annoyance that may even indirectly lead to infant mortality, etc. No one likes being preached to, least of all me (though I usually fall asleep during sermons :-) ). However, I really do think those of us who consider ourselves to be responsible paddlers, who do not inform ourselves (or pass the word along) about flora and fauna impacts -- in a specific, logical manner -- are not responsible paddlers (of course, just being out there can be disturbing, but lets keep the discussion at the level of real life). I love Melissa's and Bob's posts, but I knew a debate would be generated. If the debate serves no other purpose than to raise our awareness levels, and then cause an individual to think some things through (if they have not already done so), that is a good thing. All of us need to examine the questions closely with what is ethically right, what is a livable compromise, and what is an acceptable expediency as we raise our ecological consciousness. Is that not one of the roles of this list? I like what Aldo Leopold said: "A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise." And as Melissa implied, one lives with either a anthropocentric, man-centered view; or a a biocentric or life-centered outlook. This planet isn't ours, we share it with countless creatures, and have a huge responsibility to care for the welfare of all creatures, including our fellow humans, given the power we wield. And yes, I know I'm a hypocrite. My lifestyle, my use of fossil fuels, my consumerism, all affect the ocean's irrevocable interdependence of life -- indirectly, but definitely. The innocent swim about in the lap of creation, while their silent plea to listen to their apprehension goes unnoticed. I'm trying to listen; to do what is right. Melissa may be getting close to the whales, but as she knows, the whales are getting close to her. Ans she's listening. BC'in Ya Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
This is so annoying. We've gone from the use of "nazi" (where most list owners pull the plug) to now pedophiles. I can't think of a better way to shut down communication and convince people to not listen to your point of view than with the use of such arguments. Sheeesh. PaddleWise is now on full monitor (only the second time since it began almost three years ago with the last time only being about three months ago). Jackie list-owner *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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