In Reply to: Re: Re: Overfishing plays key role in declining kelp forest health posted by Dr. Bill Bushing on May 26, 2006 at 18:48:02:

It's amazing the cause & effect that comes into play, and the feeble attempt of us humans to correct, overcorrect, then discover 20 years later, we should have left things alone! When otters roamed the coastal waters, urchins & abalone were kept in control. As they were hunted to near extinction, the urchins & abalone recovered, to the point of dominating kelp beds. Then, in an effort to save the kelp beds in the late 60's, divers, under the direction of kelp experts, were sent down with hammers to kill the urchins. Fortunately for me, the Japanese demand for uni began the fledgling fishery, and I embarked on a 22 year urchin diving career - making money while saving the kelp beds!

TK
bluewatergoldrush.com