First Name | Scott |
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Last Name | Grant |
Email Address | sgrant8@ca.rr.com |
Affiliation | |
Subject | OPEN PARTY FISHING BOATS |
Comment | Dear Legislature: These boats carrying anglers on "open party" trips are historic and an integral part of the history of SoCal Fishing. And most would be affected by changes in emission and fuel efficiency standards now being considered in the legislature and other agencies. Big Game Fishing was invented off the coast of California and these boats (as fuel inefficient and/or polluting as they may be) are nonetheless iconic and should be allowed to operate until no longer safe. A exception and/or exemption to these boats should be mandated as part of any new regulations. Or perhaps extend their compliance to retrofit to 25 years. By then, I would hazard a guess that these boats may no longer be seaworthy. But from what I understand, an approval process (through application) could be created to be exempted from the new regulations. And what I am suggesting affects probably less than 200 small family owned businesses. As for the boats, Granddads have now taken their Grandkids on these boats once like their parents took them back in the 1960s. These boats have character and represent a grand tradition of angling. Combat fishing as it is sometimes called. It is the smell of the galley, the smell of the bunks, the dings and scratches of the deck rails, the layout, the architecture, that is what makes these boats unique and an integral heritage of the Southern California. Of course, newer boats will be better for the environment but sometimes there must be consideration given to the generations of fishing these boats represent. Many of these boats will be retired in due course so there really is no need to shut off their heritage now due to environmental concerns. Plus, the reason these boats have existed is to provide an inexpensive, fun atmosphere, learning and cultural experience and if they have to retrofit (assuming that is even possible), the patrons will be forced to pay way too much money for the experience. Open party boat Fishing is cheap and it should stay that way so that all members of the community can afford it. That is what makes these boats so enjoyable as there is a true cross cultural and socio-economic diverse group of anglers who for one day, or one trip have to work together to land their big fish!!! Their lines may cross that day and their paths may never cross again but if these boats disappear for environmental considerations, I suspect the opportunity for people of different ages, races, religions, etc. to interact will have one less opportunity to learn from each other while sharing the common love of the thrill of catch. Just thoughts. Thanks for listening. Scott Grant |
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Date and Time Comment Was Submitted | 2021-11-15 11:05:15 |
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