Marine Industry Blasts EPA Plan to Increase Ethanol
On the most basic level many boaters are opposed to growing food to use for fuel. Throw in that it can ruin your fuel system, and the bitterness levels only increase. Last decade when corn-based ethanol was first introduced (or shoved down our collective gullet, if you prefer), it wasn’t long before the corn gas wrecked the carburetor of my then-new four-stroke outboard. And after a rebuild, it did again.
Currently, the EPA is planning to raise to historic levels the country’s ethanol mandate. That’s right, the government is doubling down on what some say amounts to a handout to corn farmers and ethanol producers, despite the science and facts about the harms of ethanol. Studies have shown high level blends of ethanol, such as E15, can pose serious problems to marine engines, including performance issues such as stalling, corrosion leading to oil or fuel leaks, increased emissions and damaged valves, rubber fuel lines, and gaskets. Some industry estimates predict that damage from ethanol fuel could potentially harm marine engines of the 88 million Americans who recreationally boat each year.
But the boating industry is fighting back, led by the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s Boating United initiative. The coalition is advocating and communicating with Washington, DC, lawmakers and policymakers. Click on
boatingunited.com to learn more or make a public comment.
Bass Pro Shops/CCA Kent Narrows Fly and Light Tackle Tournament Results
Although the fishing wasn’t as fast paced as competitors would have liked, nearly 150 light tackle, fly, and kayak anglers gathered for some friendly competition while raising awareness for fishing conservation.
The team of Shawn Kimbro, Jamie Clough, and Rich Jenkins took first place with three rockfish with a total of 90 inches. Captain Dennis Fleming led the second place team with 88.25 combined inches, while Frank Meisel led the third place team that caught 84.25 inches of striper. The Fly Division winner was Joe Taylor (33.75 inches), and Chuck Chambers won the Kayak Division with a 25-inch striper.
Mid-Atlantic Council Approves Deep Sea Corals Amendment
When many fishermen hear coral reefs, we think about the tropics. However, our region also has deep sea coral beds, home to diverse marine species. To protect them from impacts of bottom fishing gear, last month the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved an amendment that, if approved by the Secretary of Commerce, will create deep sea coral zones in areas where corals have been observed or where they are likely to occur. Within these zones, fishermen will not be allowed to use any type of bottom-tending fishing gear such as trawls, dredges, bottom longlines, and traps. In total, the areas proposed for deep sea coral zone designation encompass more than 38,000 square miles, an area nearly the size of Virginia.
Council Chairman Rick Robins says, “Many people deserve credit for their collaborative efforts to refine the coral protection areas in a way that protects deep sea corals in our region while accommodating current fishing practices.”
Asked about his thoughts on the action, Ocean City, MD, head boat skipper Monty Hawkins said, “(while) it really doesn’t do anything for fish we catch, at least not yet, it does get (fish) habitat into public focus. That’s good. We’re starting to look at inshore corals in coming weeks.”
The prohibition on all types of bottom-tending gear would apply in both the broad and discrete deep sea coral zones. The amendment includes a provision to allow vessels to transit through coral zones if fishing gear is stowed and not available for immediate use.
Leadership Changes at Top of Maryland DNR
In late May, Department of Natural Resources secretary Mark Belton announced four long-time DNR leaders would be moving on, ending months of speculations what changes would occur under the new Hogan administration. Deputy secretary Frank Dawson, assistant secretary Kristin Saunders, communications director Darlene Pisani, and fisheries service director Tom O’Connell were let go. Collectively, Secretary Belton said the group represented nearly a century of institutional knowledge. He thanked them for their service and added his focus as secretary remains “clearly on fiscal responsibility, economic expansion, reform, and stakeholder inclusiveness.”
Of the four moves, the most unsettling to the fishing community was O’Connell’s departure, particularly given that the director level position within the agency has in the past been immune from political jiggering. The words “big loss” were common when leaders in Maryland’s sportfishing discussed the firing with this editor. More than one angler has wondered aloud whether this change will mean bigger harvests by commercial watermen, many of whom blamed O’Connell for curtailing their “rightful share” of striped bass, crabs, and oysters.
Speculation varies as to why O’Connell was shown the door; one conservation leader who asked not to be named thought it was political payback to a small but influential political constituency cashing in on their support of Governor Hogan last fall. Even an Eastern Shore leader active with watermen, fisheries, and water quality issues said removing O’Connell wasn’t a smart move.
On a personal note, in my discussions with O’Connell over the years, I found him to be consistent, fair, and professional. He may have taken some heat for bringing more accountability to catch reports and trying to stabilize rockfish and crab populations, but these initiatives and ramping up efforts to combat rampant poaching were and still are strongly supported by many Marylanders. Belton’s new team, yet to be named as of press, deserves the benefit of the doubt to continue progress made to protect the state’s diverse fisheries.
Farewell to Friends
Longtime friends Captain Hank Devito (right) and Breezy Point Marina owner Mike Strandquist. Captain Hank, who ran the charter boat
Afternoon Delight, passed away June 1. Hank taught thousands of anglers how to fish, enjoy boating, and appreciate the Bay.
by Captain Chris D. Dollar