Posted by Diver Z on September 25, 2004 at 14:50:38:
In Reply to: Re: No, it won't posted by Sonke on September 25, 2004 at 08:43:10:
A couple of other questions occurred to me. As you note, the plan lists scuba among activities that would be "closely managed" during seasonal restrictions. The executive summary also says:
"The RMP proposes focused protection actions on the rocks and islands known to harbor populations of nesting seabirds, as well as seals and sea lions, while a coordinated, comprehensive site characterization can be completed to determine the full range of wildlife use throughout the monument. These actions will be closely coordinated with DFG and its Marine Life Protection Act plans, DPR, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service staff, as BLM jurisdiction does not extend to the ocean and land surrounding the coastal rocks and islands."
This seems to be confusing -- some are reading this as meaning the plan wouldn't affect divers unless they are climbing on rocks, but from the passage you quote it does appear that the BLM is proposing to manage water activities such as scuba.
If the BLM acknowledges that it has no jurisdiction over the waters, which of the partner agencies would have the authority to set restrictions on diving in certain areas?