Today's Beaufort Observer (Beaufort, North Carolina) posted an article about the Ocean Policy Task Force appointed by President Obama to plan federal policy related to ocean fishing. Oddly enough, when the group released its report on December 14th of last year, the report was entitled Interim Framework for Effective Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning. The report included such items as:
- Traditional Hunting, Fishing, and Gathering
- Scientific Research and Exploration
- Tourism
- Other Recreation (e.g., boating, beach access, swimming, nature and whale watching, and diving)
- Recreational Fishing
- Commercial Fishing
- Commerce and Transportation (e.g. cargo and cruise ships, tankers, and ferries)
You get the picture. The article quotes the report:
"The geographic scope would include inland bays and estuaries in both coastal and Great Lakes settings. Inclusion of inland bays and estuaries is essential because of the significant ecological, social, and economic linkages between these areas with offshore areas. Additional inland areas may be included in the planning area as the regional planning bodies, described in Section IX below, deem appropriate. Regardless, consideration of inland activities would be necessary to account for the significant interaction between upstream activities and ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes uses and ecosystem health. Likewise, consideration should also be given to activities occurring beyond the EEZ that may influence resources or activities within the EEZ."
This is a major power grab going on at a time when the current administration believes that no one is paying attention. It is a threat to any coastal area that has a tourist business during the summer season. Remember that the 10th Amendment gives the states any power that is not given to the federal government. It's time for all coastal states to reaffirm the 10th Amendment. Control of coastal areas and coastal tourist fishing should be left to the states--not the federal government.
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