The Harbor Column -- Mike Whitehead

Ahoy.

Last week presented events that probably changed our lives in how we

view the world. The marine world has been greatly affected, with closed

harbors and most boats remaining dockside rather than getting underway.

Well, nationally, the planes are starting to fly on a limited

schedule, and the boating industry is looking to determine where it

stands. Troubling is the question of how this will directly affect the

marine industry, as most people will refrain from buying boats and going

on vacation for a while. How long it will last is anybody’s guess. So,

the marine industry in Newport Beach and the workers here will feel the

effect. I hope that by the time of the Lido Boat Show at the end of this

month that people will at least get out to view the show and chat with

all the vendors.

Following up my special column that ran Thursday (“Newport Harbor is

secure from terrorism”), I have the updates. Long Beach and Los Angeles

harbors are still under high port security; thus, expect escorts and

possible inspections. Seal Beach that leads into Huntington Beach is

being randomly closed at times, and Newport Harbor is under increased

surveillance, but boating is open.

Farther south in San Diego, every vessel entering the harbor is being

check and, according to my sources, the Navy is very active as half the

fleet has left the docks. Normally, about three quarters of the fleet is

in port. Also, be careful when transiting below Dana Point, as the Navy

will be conducting maneuvers off Camp Pendleton.

Currently, the boat shows and vendors are very concerned with

terrorists attack. How do we as a nation and industry recover from such

an event? One theory is to get back to normal life as soon as possible,

but the reality sets in that that will be quite difficult. How do we do

that? Well, go boating and remember that recreation is the No. 1

relaxation for your family and friends.

***

Speaking of relaxing, have you heard about the proposed Nearshore

Fishery Management Plan drafted by the State of California Department of

Fish and Game? A plan must be adopted by Jan. 1, 2002, as required by the

Marine Life Management Act. Public comment is vital to help formulate a

plan for the Fish and Game Commission. Proposed are a series of

alternatives for managing the fishery such as harvest control, catch

limit, regional management, protected areas and nearshore restricted

areas. This plan, if not properly written and implemented, can restrict

fishing whether commercial or recreational in most areas directly off our

coast.

The question is: Do we need more management in the ecosystem with the

proper studies or data to support such extreme restrictions? It appears

that the plan I reviewed was excessive in restrictions as to where one

can fish and the listed numerous species. Yes, I have no problem

protecting a species that might be dwindling in numbers, but to radically

close areas to all species seems extreme.

As you know, once a plan or law is put in place, it is usually

impossible to change or cancel that plan but often it only grows. “This

tax is only temporary,” sounds familiar. I encourage everyone to review

this plan available at some county libraries, marine and harbor offices,

Sea Grant offices, Fish and Game offices, and on the Web at o7

https://www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/nfmpf7 .

***

This week, the Boathouse TV Show has a new sales director, Chris

Beckner, who can be reached ato7 [email protected] . Chris is

very experienced with national sales and how businesses can advertise to

the boating enthusiast whether an active boater or an armchair expert. We

will be in Palm Desert for most of this week attending a boating industry

show, so send me your e-mails.

Tip for the week: remember to check your dock lines before the Santa

Ana winds hit Southern California with winds that will rock your boat.

Plus, where is your chaffing gear?

Safe voyages.

* MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating and harbor columnist. Send him

your harbor and marine-related thoughts and story suggestions via e-mail

to o7 [email protected] or o7 https://www.BoathouseTV.comf7 .