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"Fairness In Fisheries Management"

Sport Diver Rights

Click Here to learn an interesting fact about the FSDA....

The FSDA, whose members helped transport and place the Christ of the Abyss statue in John Pennekamp State Park and who were instrumental in implementing the red & white “diver-down” flag, stands for the rights of sport divers. Through its participation in scoping meetings and hearings, on advisory panels, and through letter writing campaigns, the organization strives to assure that regulation related to diving be based upon fairness and sound resource management principles.

Contributions & accomplishments include:

  • Participating in Crystal River access and manatee protection zone hearings;

  • Assuring that spearfishing be allowed in special "gear restriction zones";

  • Participating in local, state, and federal dive related scoping meetings;

  • Providing member representation to NOAA advisory panels and discussion groups;

  • Delivering diver perspective testimony to fishing regulation hearings;

  • Participation in marine resource workshops.

Where Fishing Is Allowed, Spearfishing Should Be Allowed…
Spearfishing receives the most focus in protecting diver rights. “Where Fishing Is Allowed, Spearfishing Should Be Allowed” serves as the FSDA’s guiding initiative. Why?

  • Spearfishing promotes “Discreet Hunting” conservation. Translation: “Don’t ‘catch’ what you don’t intend to keep.”  This functions much in the same way as angling’s “Catch and Release” practice only Discreet Hunting leaves unwanted fish completely unharmed and un-traumatized;

  • Spearfishing exerts minimal impact on fish stocks... less than one percent by most estimates;

  •  Spearfishing leaves virtually no “dangerous litter”, in other words, no entangling netting or line to harm seabirds or sea life.

 Competition for recreational and fishery resources will always result in “user groups” coming into conflict. Most spearfishermen (male and female) practice both hook and line fishing and spearfishing. When it comes to our fishery resources the FSDA is on one side: Resource management, recovery, and growth for the fishing enjoyment of current and future generations.

Undersea Appreciation…
In addition to participating in the regulation process, the FSDA has for many years promoted education and an appreciation for diving and the undersea environment through its grade school “Save Our Seas” poster contest, by presenting seminars to clubs, at conventions, and at trade shows, and through underwater photography and contests. 

Get involved in assuring the future enjoyment of our undersea adventures and in the camaraderie of the diving community. Become active in the FSDA!

 

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