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After two years and five public input and discussion sessions on the issue, a Florida marine feeding ban has been approved.
As reported in my Feb 01 Undercurrent article on the subject, on Sep 7, 00 the Floridas Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) ignored its previous recommendation for a shark feeding ban. Instead, it urged the various factions to work together to recommend a set of standards for safe organized marine feedings.
At their May 23-25, 01 meetings, the commission considered the dive industrys Florida Guidelines and Management Practices for Interactive Marine Experiences, a set of standards produced by the Global Interactive Marine Experiences Council (GIMEC).
Apparently less than impressed with this effort, the FWCC directed state biologists and other staff to review and refine the proposed guidelines. In particular, the Commission asked that issues of species being fed, distance from beaches and natural reefs that feeding occurs, and whether the touching or handling of marine life is permissible, be addressed. These issues were slated for discussion at the next commission meeting in early Nov 01.
In the interim, a number of spectacular and highly publicized shark attacks took place off the Florida coasts and in Grand Bahama. As a result, tourism suffered badly and it is quite likely that the FWCC came under pressure to ban.
In any event, at their session on Nov 1, after hearing public comment from the approximately 60 persons in attendance, the commission ruled to ban all marine life feeding by divers, and to prohibit vessel-for-hire operators from transporting passengers to any sites to observe fish feeding. The rule takes effect Jan 1, 02 unless derailed by a dive industry appeal, which is being considering.
This ruling is subject to approval by the Governor, and this is a near certainty, as well as to several chapters in Florida law. If contested, state legislators will have to decide whether or not to fully enforce the ban.
For better or for worse.
DocVikingo
As reported in my Feb 01 Undercurrent article on the subject, on Sep 7, 00 the Floridas Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) ignored its previous recommendation for a shark feeding ban. Instead, it urged the various factions to work together to recommend a set of standards for safe organized marine feedings.
At their May 23-25, 01 meetings, the commission considered the dive industrys Florida Guidelines and Management Practices for Interactive Marine Experiences, a set of standards produced by the Global Interactive Marine Experiences Council (GIMEC).
Apparently less than impressed with this effort, the FWCC directed state biologists and other staff to review and refine the proposed guidelines. In particular, the Commission asked that issues of species being fed, distance from beaches and natural reefs that feeding occurs, and whether the touching or handling of marine life is permissible, be addressed. These issues were slated for discussion at the next commission meeting in early Nov 01.
In the interim, a number of spectacular and highly publicized shark attacks took place off the Florida coasts and in Grand Bahama. As a result, tourism suffered badly and it is quite likely that the FWCC came under pressure to ban.
In any event, at their session on Nov 1, after hearing public comment from the approximately 60 persons in attendance, the commission ruled to ban all marine life feeding by divers, and to prohibit vessel-for-hire operators from transporting passengers to any sites to observe fish feeding. The rule takes effect Jan 1, 02 unless derailed by a dive industry appeal, which is being considering.
This ruling is subject to approval by the Governor, and this is a near certainty, as well as to several chapters in Florida law. If contested, state legislators will have to decide whether or not to fully enforce the ban.
For better or for worse.
DocVikingo
