Comment Log Display

California waters have long been the allure of both tourist and
residents alike. For most access to the open sea is not feasible
given the incredible cost of private yachts and boating in general.
Without large passenger carrying vessels most people will never see
an open ocean. 
The best way to protect our ocean is to make people not only aware
of it but also enamored with it. 
I think of Shamu at Sea World. For most a trip to Seaworld was the
first time seeing a large marine mammal. The amount of awareness
that came from these interactions was incredible. People that never
cared about the ocean or the animals that lived there suddenly
became their biggest advocates. Today people are somewhat turned
off by seeing such an incredible animal in a confined pool and many
turn to whale watching as a great opportunity see these amazing
animals in their own wild environment completely uncaged. This is
something that everyone should have a chance to experience.
Passenger carrying vessels make this a very practical and
economical possibility.
When legislation is passed that puts these types of businesses at
risk it just leaves us all asking why. At what cost will California
continue to over regulate and make small businesses jump through
hoops just to stay afloat. At what cost to  environmental awareness
will we be environmentalists?