In Reply to: I don't THINK so.... posted by Deb Karimoto on September 16, 2005 at 11:35:09:

Agree with your statement, Deb. There is room for both activities.

However, I wish more fishers were understanding of the potential benefits of marine reserves for their preferred activity. What is needed IMHO is a series (network) of marine reserves around the island that ensures sufficient breeding stock in them for reproduction (and non-extractive, that is no-take, uses)... and spillover into adjacent areas that give fishers the opportunity to indulge in their activities.

Too often it seems that the extractive users object to even relatively small reserve areas (say 20-30%) in the ocean because it restricts them. Having "take" areas cover 100% of the environment restricts my activities! With the wisdom of King Solomon, I would suggest we take a "sword" (legislation in this case) and divide the "baby" 50-50! Now that would be fair, wouldn't it?