The White House is taking comment on the draft implementation plan through Feb. 27. The council aims to complete and approve the final plan by spring.
The plan is starting with coastal water and is moving inward. A plan starting Jan. 12, 2012, that will establish nine regional committees by 2015, to develop plans for streamlining the permitting processes for use of marine and land areas along the nation's oceans and Great Lakes.
It is to certify any regional coastal or marine spatial plans that the regional advisory committees devise for managing ocean areas. Spatial planning means deciding what activities are suitable for specific coastal areas. It added that this plan will be updated periodically as progress is made in achieving various milestones.
Goups against it
The National Ocean Policy Coalition, includes the National Association of Home Builders, the American Petroleum Institute, Council of Great Lake Industries, the Conservation Cooperative of Gulf Fishermen, and others, remains opposed to the coastal and marine spatial planning process, terming it a “zoning tool” that would add one more regulatory layer to the existing permitting processes (193 DEN A-13, 10/5/11).
"Over the past three years, private fishing boat sales have declined dramatically because of quagga mussel restrictions that have made it difficult, if not impossible, for anglers to travel to different waters to fish without lengthy or expensive boat inspections, wash downs, and/or dry dock requirements."
Here in Georgia we too, have mussel issues, but not to this extext, at least not yet any way. "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated the Altamaha spinymussel as endangered today under the Endangered Species Act and proposed to protect 148 river miles of critical habitat to safeguard the species. The mussel occurs only in the Altamaha River drainage in southeastern Georgia and has been waiting in line as a candidate for federal protection for more than a quarter century."
"The endangered listing includes the designation of 148 miles of critical habitat in 11 counties in the main stem of the Altamaha River including Appling, Ben Hill, Coffee, Jeff Davis, Long, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Wayne and Wheeler counties. The mussel has been extirpated from the Ohoopee and Oconee rivers where it was once found. It is still found in the Ocmulgee River. "
Are we next?
I believe it is right not to let fishing continue in areas where it is detrimental to mariane life and to people. Our fear, what has the government ever run right?
I believe that fisheries should have been mandated years ago when Teddy Roosevelt was mandating lands then and the government was putting fisheries into effect to keep up with the fishing explosing causing decling fish numbers even then. Also, adding invasive species from other countries that breed and grow fast, like carp, to our American waters to keep up with the fishing and feeding the population.
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mussel restrictions
Over the past three years, private fishing boat sales have declined dramatically because of quagga mussel restrictions that have made it difficult, if not impossible, for anglers to travel to different waters to fish without lengthy or expensive boat inspections, wash downs, and/or dry dock requirements.
Read more: http://www.sbsun.com/sports/ci_19685687#ixzz1jvFvp628
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