Posted by joe smith on April 27, 2005 at 21:21:24:
Today the DFG proposed new 'fishing' regs for underwater photographers.
Non-commercial photographers will be charged the same rates as sport fishermen. Commercial photographers will be charged $295 per season.
"It just makes sense", said a department spokesperson from the Long Beach Office. "These people are utilizing the marine fisheries resources that other sportsmen are paying for in terms of captive breeding and enforcement. They're getting a free ride. Legitimate news organizations are exempted."
"Penalties for violators will be in the $500 range for amatuers, and upwards of $10,000 for commercial photographers. Having free/scuba diving gear and an underwater camera aboard will be considered prima facia evidence of photographic activity"
Environmental groups applauded the decision as a way to shore up dwindling enforcement resources as a result of a trend towards less consumptive utilization of the marine ecosystem.
Joe Smith
Diver Net Contributer