Biophile,



Agreed…We are the “low fruit on the tree” so to speak…And right now, we are one of the first of the “private industries” they are working on to control. By private industry, I mean small business (primarily)…There are a few really large pet industries but the overwhelming part of captive husbandry (regardless of herping interesting or philosophy), is done by individual herpers (or other plant or animal propagation enthusiasts - plants fall under the “invasive species” as well). With that in mind, this is actually what (small business) they are seeking to control (remember, the cause is anthropologic) using the animal (your choice) or plant as the “propaganda” banner (there must be a villain to vilify)…just my 10-cents worth here…



Regarding the commercial fishing industry…Over the years, “they” have done their very best (and continue to so) to regulate the “small fisherman” out of existence and in my opinion, this was their intent. With each new regulation that is based, it carries with it an “unfunded mandate” (expense) that the small operator, over time, can not afford to do…And therefore, they go away. However, large commercial fishing industries can afford them (because their profits are based on volume). As a benefit to the “agenda”, 20 large industries are easier to control by regulation than 20,000 individual fishermen. Also, large commercialized operations can absorb the cost over time and then pass this “expense” off to the consumer (as in a sense, they are not really paying it-We the consumers are). Whereas the small, individual fisherman, is fishing to put a roof over their heads, etc (not to achieve a profit margin or appease stock holders). The bottom line is that within the regulatory framework, it’s easier for “them” to deal with 20 industries than 20,000 individuals (that write those troublesome letters to politicians and get in their face at “outreach” meetings, etc-which have been going on for some ten years or so-this was the first attempt at regulatory control)…I think you get the idea…It’s about control using the “propaganda” banner of save the dolphins and turtles…



The small individual fisherman in the Gulf, bought (or constructed) “approved” reefs that they took out and sank in the Gulf to create fishing reefs (that didn’t exist before) that provides habitat for bottom fish…Where they take fishermen out on “in-shore” or “deep-sea” fishing trips…”They” have begun to institute a catch limit of ONE red snapper per person per day (it used to be four)! This “regulation” is ending a way of life for these fishermen (and women)…Keep in mind two things…First, the overwhelming majority of the bottom of the Gulf is an underwater desert…And because of the “reefs” that these fishermen (and the offshore gas rigs) put out there, created habitat for fish WHERE THEY DIDN’T EXIST BEFORE! Second, the same limits were exempted from the regulations for the large commercial fishing “special interests”. Meaning, the small fisherman is not going to over-fish their “numbers” (reefs) because their business depends on fishermen going out and catching fish! In other words, they “manage” their own reefs because their very livelihood depends on it…



Later,

Jim.


-----
CSRAJim

[ Show Entire Thread ]