Deckboss reckons we'll hear quite a bit of reaction to the big Steller sea lion ruling. Here's the first of it, from conservation group Oceana:
Jan. 19, 2012
Steller sea lion protections in Aleutian Islands upheld
Today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska upheld protections for the western population of Steller sea lions. The new measures were put in place by the National Marine Fisheries Service to reduce competition between large-scale commercial fisheries and endangered Steller sea lions in the Aleutian Islands.
"It's a good day for our oceans," said Susan Murray, Oceana's senior director, Pacific. "This decision shows that responsible management requires steps to protect healthy ocean ecosystems including sustainable fisheries and vibrant communities. We are moving away from managing single species money fish and toward ecosystem-based management that takes into account the needs of apex predators in our oceans."
The court found that the agency based its decision on good science and, with one exception, followed appropriate process. According to the court, the agency did not comply with the law in failing to prepare a full environmental impact statement.
"Today's decision validates the agency's use of the best science to protect our oceans," said Colin O'Brien, staff attorney at Earthjustice. "The next step is a full evaluation of the impacts of fisheries on ocean ecosystems, including Steller sea lions."
Oceana and Greenpeace, represented by Earthjustice, intervened in the lawsuit to defend the new measures.
The parties will submit briefing on the scope of the new environmental impact statement by Feb. 8. The court indicated that protections will remain in place while the new analysis is prepared.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
13 comments:
This is not about "saving" the Stellar sea lion.
Bottom line is that these ultra liberal greenies don't want us to eat fish. That would be killing an animal, which is wrong. We need to only graze upon the seaweed.
Sea lions, wolves, and grizzlies... they just need love and understanding. Feel the love baby. Feel the love.
It's really the endangered species act for "Sea Lying". These Surf Nazi's
havn't been able to end freedom on land yet.But the broad legal assault on freedom of the seas is cost effective relative to even a minor statutory change on land.
I say that your blog is awesome! Happy New Year!
Ultra Liberal Greenies?
Evidently one needs to take an Alaska History Class.
Who Owns America? (c) 1971
Walter J. Hickel
Book 1.
"How to become an endangered species"
Chapter 1. A Naked Man
Chapter 10. "Faithfully yours, Wally"
Chapter 13. The Environment of Hope
"When I was in Washington, I wanted to make the Potomac our First National River. With all the squabbling and bickering going on cleaning up the sewage presently pumped into the Potomac system, I knew we were fighting over was only one part of the problem...
Can someone unclog the sewer line at Calhoun Avenue someday?
This doesnt stop killer whale predation.
Yep, it's one protected species going after another: killer whale v. sea lion.
Maybe we should sterilize a few killer whales.
Folks, please remember its the STELLER sea lion, not the "stellar" sea lion. The animal was named after Georg Steller, the naturalist that accompanied Vitus Bering on his voyage of (Russian/European) discovery. There is nothing "stellar" about that.
Important ruling that NEPA must be followed and proper EIS done up front. Crab Ratz regime for IFQs was done without such compliance, and Gulf of Alaska Ratz for rockfish proceeded without EIS, etc. The NPFMC fails on that score.
Groundswell
Hey - if you actually read Steller's diary of the trip - he could very well be considered a "stellar" naturalist.
Bottom line is Alaska fishermen do not want the drag fleet damaging the fish stocks and the marine habit. Any reduction in trawl effort is good for fish and fishermen.
The above comment would make sense, except that NMFS stopped longlining also.
It's the Draggers who get hurt the most by this ruling. And as a longliner, I say keep the punches coming.
This shuts out longliners as well. As a longliner not all dragging is bad. Especially to keep some of those other flat fish from competing with halibut for food.
Post a Comment