THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 5, 1996 TAG: 9605050221
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C11 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BOB HUTCHINSON
LENGTH: Medium: 98 lines
Here's a suggestion for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which is in the process of moving its national headquarters from Rockville, Md., to the Norfolk waterfront:
If you really want to do something to help fish, how about targeting the bycatch made by some segments of the commercial fishing industry, such as shrimp-trawling? You'll save a lot more fish than you will by targeting conventional commercial and recreational fishermen.
Federal estimates are that shrimp-trawling kills as many as 10 pounds of fish, mostly juveniles, for each pound of shrimp landed.
The animal-rights organization has announced that it plans to disrupt both commercial and recreational fishing this year by staging protests, including some at organized angling contests. PETA already has made a couple of appearances at Hampton Roads marinas.
Unfortunately, the group has not expressed any interest in protecting masses of fish from death by various means, nor with increasing fish populations by improving the habitat or by reducing pollution. Rather, PETA members don't want you to hurt one fish with a hook or gill net.
Gov. George F. Allen has sided with fish harvesters by signing a bill making it illegal to harass fishermen. The brainchild of Del. Glenn Croshaw, D-Virginia Beach, the measure is similar to Virginia's anti-harasment law protecting hunters.
And a few nights ago, several owners of local marinas met with Virginia Beach city officials to determine just what could be done if harassment did take place. The group reported that 29 laws already exist to provide protection.
The best thing recreational and commercial fishermen can do is ignore PETA. Not that such an approach will make the organization go away. It's here and, apparently, here to stay.
But anglers and netters who get into any type of confrontation with PETA representatives will be playing right into the group's hands.
The PETA folks would like no better response from fishermen than shouting, cussing, threats and name-calling. You can bet that if this happens, TV cameras will be rolling and newspaper reporters will be taking notes.
It's too bad PETA apparently can't see beyond the pain of one fish to the mass devastation heaped upon entire fish populations by excessive harvest, pollution and loss of habitat.
It's also too bad that PETA apparently doesn't care that there may be but one fish remaining in the world, as long as no one hurts it.
BIGGER TUNA: By early June, the minimum size for both yellowfin and bigeye tuna could be increased from 22 to 27 inches, curved fork length, by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The curved fork length of a fish is measured from the tip of the nose, down the curved side, to where the tail begins to fork.
The proposal would bring yellowfin and bigeye minimums in line with the existing 27-inch curved fork length minimum for bluefin tuna.
The change should eliminate a problem of fish identification, according to Dr. William Hogarth of the National Marine Fisheries Servce. He said some anglers were keeping illegal bluefins, thinking they were other species.
Additionally, the change would bring the United States in compliance with an international treaty designed to protect stressed bluefin populations.
BOAT EXAMS: Free courtesy motorboat examinations will be offered in Suffolk on Saturday under a joint venture of the Nansemond River Power Squadron and Flotilla 56 of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
The site will be Brady's Marina on Godwin Boulevard (Virginia Route 10). Hours will be 8 a.m. to noon, later if attendance warrants.
Both trailered and in-water boats will be inspected. Approved craft will be awarded 1996 inspection decals.
TOUR TIME: The 1996 Budweiser Jet Sports Tour will come to Fourth Street and the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach on May 18-19 for the Westcoast Performance Nationals.
Hundreds of the jet-driven craft, popularly known as jet-skis, are expected to participate. There will be 12 classes of competition, with professionals racing the final day. Some craft will be capable of 60 mph.
Admission will be free. You can get details from Tony Gardea in Santa Ana, Calif., (714) 751-4277, Ext. 13.
SHORT CASTS: The Tidewater Anglers Club will hold a tautog and sea bass tournament May 18, with headquarters at the Marina at Marina Shores off Great Neck Road in Virginia Beach. For details, contact Steve Jones at 499-1318. . . assist in Virginia's annual quail count. The correct number is (540) 248-9390. The parks have doubled their public programs to include such things as workshops on saltwater and freshwater fly fishing, backpacking, photography and wildlife art. . . . The Virginia Beach Anglers will stage their annual Kids Fishing Tournament on June 8. It's free, open to those under age 18, and will be held on the beach at Fort Story. For details, contact Gene Farrar at 428-1385. . . . The annual eastern regional of the Virginia Big Game Contest will be held Sept. 14-15 at the James Blair Middle School in Williamsburg, with the state finals Sept. 28-29 at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds in Harrisonburg. For details, contact Kenneth Picklin in Williamsburg at (804) 229-0490. . . . Brian Horsley, a fly-fishing guide and fly-tier on the North Carolina Outer Banks, will present a program at Thursday's 7:30 p.m. meeting of Trout Unlimited, in the Regional Building, 723 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake. Guests will be charged $2. . . . David Arris of Virginia Beach recently bagged a 17-pound, 9-ounce turkey in Henry County. It had a 9 1/2-inch beard. by CNB