By Pam Anderson An update on NOAA’s proposed actions regarding the Rice’s Whale is not good news. Not only is the agency proposing limited speed and access zones in the Gulf, but they are also now proposing a Critical Habitat Designation for the Rice’s Whale which will add even more restrictions. In their Fishery Bulletin regarding this matter, it states “Only federal agencies are directly affected by a critical habitat designation; non-federal entities may be affected if their activities involve federal funding, permitting, or authorization.” And, “The proposed designation does not create any new regulations or restrictions on fisheries.” But, our military, some of our community partners in shipping, and federally permitted fishing boats will all have to abide by whatever restrictions they plan to impose because our activities are involved in “federal funding, permitting, or authorization.” This will have a very negative economic impact on all who live on the Gulf Coast if these proposals are brought to fruition. In addition, in the critical habitat designation scenario, the area of concern may change over time because patterns of species like whales and others change their habits. More info on this issue and comments can be made on the NOAA website, as well as at the October Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management’s meeting scheduled here in PCB in late October. Go to www.gulfcouncil.org for details. Be informed: read more about it. You will also find information regarding a contested issue between NOAA and the fishing industry concerning the use of...
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