Marine ecosystems, just as important -- and just as threatened -- as terrestrial ecosystems, are a public resource that should be managed for the public good. One crucial management tool is the creation of fully protected marine areas, where no extractive activities are allowed, which benefit fish populations, other marine life, and the entire coastline by providing a refuge for marine animals. Legislative language, introduced in eleven states last year and three states so far this year, would make it almost impossible to set up fully protected marine areas, denying states an important conservation tool. Maryland SB 13, New Hampshire HB 1420, and New Jersey AB 692 would prohibit the creation of areas closed to recreational fishing unless the state can prove that recreational fishing is the cause of a specific problem. The legislation, promoted by the Recreational Fishing Alliance, puts the burden of proof on those who want to protect marine resources rather than on those who are consuming -- and potentially harming -- them before taking action. Clearly, this is a dangerous precedent. These bills would make it impossible for states to protect and restore ocean ecosystems by unnecessarily restricting a state's ability to manage its coastal habitats. If your state has a coastline, watch out for this type of bill.

Ran 2/2/2004