SA bonefish ad talking about Belize
I received a new "Catch magaine" electronically yesterday and while looking through it I saw an advertisement for Scientific Anglers bonefish line. In that ad was the following quote: "The Belize government has made "Catch and Release" the law for all bonefish, permit and tarpon caught within their waters. Great decision.!"
So is that a great decision? I am definately in favor of protecting the resource, but I have deep concerns about C&R becoming law. I guess we have certain streams or bodies of water that are totally C&R here in the states, but I just hate the smell of animal rights positions on anglers. We now elevate the resource too precious to kill or harvest. While I never even caught a bonefish, something tells me they aren't the best eating anyhow, but it is just the position that you must release all fish that I have a concern about.
Anyhow, what do the rest of you think, did Belize do a good thing or not?
The Endless Bounty of the Sea ?
Hi Clay,
I don't see the hand of animal rights people in this.
Just tossing it out there, without the benefit of having the complete regulation to read. Re: "but it is just the position that you must release all fish that I have a concern about." Are there other species listed besides these three? If not, "then all fish", or all species in Belize are not protected under this regulation, just those three and nobodies saying that we can't fish for them.
So we're left with three species that the government no doubt see's as an exhaustible natural resource and a revenue generator for it's economy. They may simply be trying to protect the resource so that your descendants and mine, have something to fish for in the future. In doing so, a few more people in Belize get to keep their jobs.
Out here we just went through a battle over a proposed bill that would have de-listed the Striped Bass as a sport fish and all that entails. In effect, having the exact opposite effect of what Belize is doing.
On issues like this, I'll more times than not come down on the side of governments that recognize the value of, and wish to protect their sport fisheries for future generations.
Best, Dave
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