The report linked to is an average work load for the Florida Fish and Wildlife commission. The first pages related to activity near my home and is normal. It seems to me as if the agencies were doing their jobs, and we should be thankful for this.
The last item was the co-ordinated exercise in the keys, which to me seems justified. I had been a live aboard for 13 total years, and would have not objected to that type of inspection--in fact I have been the subject of these types of inspections all over the world. Some places are even more strict than in the US.
For example Avalon at Catalina Harbor has put dye tablets in the head for many years. Anchoring has been restricted in most harbors in Calif (and many other states for a long time). Derelict and abandoned vessels remain a problem in many areas.
I have been following all aspects of the anchioring issues on the Salty Southeast, and have contibuted to the discussion, as well as had personal correspondence with Capt. Allen Richard, general counsel Florida Fish and Wildlife commission. I have also discussed the anchoring and other issues with our county marine resource officer. (as well as having been chair of Eascambia Co. Marine resource Committee in the past). We have a problem with some "abandoned" or illegally anchored boats, as well as abandoned boats, but this is a very difficult legal issue.
HB 1423: is a very complicated and convoluted 50 page piece of legislation:
Summary
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Increases certain vehicle title certificate & license plate fees; revises specified penalties for boating under influence; revises boater safety & identification card requirements; repeals & revises provisions relating to regulation of vessels & imposition of certain vessel fees by municipalities & counties; revises provisions for waterway navigation, safety, & information markers; revises specified vessel registration & identification; clarifies vessel records maintained by DHSMV; specifies prohibition for vessels equipped with certain fuel containers or equipment & transportation of fuel; revises recreational license & permit exemption; provides for confiscation & disposition of illegally taken wildlife, freshwater & saltwater fish; revises provisions for lobster trap certificates; specifies activities relating to alligators requiring licenses & fees; provides penalty for specified exhibitions & sales of wildlife; revises application of specified violations relating to alligators & crocodiles; revises application of captive wildlife penalty provisions; repeals provision relating to expiration of certain blue crab fees & penalties; directs FWCC & DEP to establish pilot program relating to anchoring or mooring vessels under certain conditions.
Many of us have been following the anchoring issue for some time, and are in correspondance with our state representatives. My feeling is that the bill will be passed, and then some of the finer points will be hashed out in court--no matter what the wording of the bill.
On the other hand, I support any attempts to make boating safer for the boat owner, cruiser, live-aboard and property owner. I also vehemently oppose any city's attempts to prevent the legitimate cruiser from anchoring for a reasonable length of time.
