Maryland Freedom to Fish Act
| May 17, 2004 Friends, The attached statement regarding the Maryland Freedom to Fish Act will be made public when the act is signed into law, which is expected to take place on May 26th. The statement was agreed upon by all parties that took part in the discussion and negotiation of compromise language for the legislation. We are especially pleased that mainstream environmental organizations, such as World Wildlife Fund and Chesapeake Bay Foundation, participated in this process and we look forward to working with them in the future on other issues where we have mutual interests. Of note, Environmental Defense and Ocean Conservancy were invited but refused to participate in this process. We believe this bill to be close to an ideal form of a negotiated Freedom to Fish as it focuses on the most crucial tenets of the bill. Specifically; that any considered closures be based on scientific necessity, and any closure be subject to reconsideration of the closure and possible reopening of or modification of a closed area. We are committed to assuring that these principles are not given up as we continue to move forward with the process of passing the federal Freedom to Fish Act. It is also important to note that none of the involved parties insisted upon "marine reserves" which is generally defined by many environmental groups as, "Areas that are permanently closed to all extractive activities including fishing". Please contact Michael Doebley at our office if you have any questions. Thank you for your continuing support. Best Regards, Jim Donofrio Executive Director |