Fish & Feathers: Battle stirs over fishing rights

In a commentary from Robert Montgomery, senior writer for BASS Publications, on ESPN Outdoors says, "The protesters and elected representatives want to drive home to the Obama administration the impact that non-scientific, arbitrary deadlines have on anglers, their families and coastal communities." The administration denies any intent to restrict fishing access. However, there remains cause for concern.

The U.S. Sportmen's Alliance reported on the draft plan in October 2009. At the time, a combination of factors raised concern with pro-fishing organizations that the plan could result in restrictions on sport anglers. These factors included a history of federal anti-fishing ideas, including the creation of "Marine Protected Areas," where angling could be prevented. Several areas already exist off the California, Oregon and Florida coasts.

Jim Donofrio, executive director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance, said in a recent press release, "I don't think the president would consider banning recreational fishing outright, but it's clear to us that the Obama administration would like to severely restrict recreational fishing."

The Obama administration has ended public input on a federal strategy that could prohibit U.S. citizens from fishing some of the nation's oceans, coastal areas, parts of the Great Lakes, and even inland waters. On Feb. 12, the New York Times reported, "President Obama and his team are preparing an array of actions using his executive power to advance energy, environmental, fiscal and other domestic policy priorities."

Fears are that, "what we're seeing coming at us is an attempted dismantling of the science-based fish and wildlife model that has served us so well. There is no basis in science for the agendas of those groups who are trying to push the public out of being able to fish and enjoy recreational opportunities."

And so it goes, government, government, government. I'm glad I grew up in the "good ole days,"