Sad day for Blue Heron Bridge

[Wookie]

Don Demaria is a collector in Summerland Key, and a friend. He collects specimens for the drug companies who are developing drugs for us to live old lives. Don was a commercial spearo for years, then found religion and became an advocate for MPAs.

Professional fish collectors are just that. They are professional and are well paid to do what they do.

 

[tursiops]

"Not caring" requires understanding the error of your ways. You're ascribing malice to that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.

And you are quoting Heinlein. Yes, I am. Malice driven by greed.

 

[lowviz]

Professional fish collectors are just that. They are professional

@Wookie

We are both professionals (engineers/scientists) and this question is honestly asked:

What is their overseeing body and what are the requirements for becoming a professional collector?

 

[uncfnp]

@Wookie

We are both professionals (engineers/scientists) and this question is honestly asked:

What is their overseeing body and what are the requirements for becoming a professional collector?

Or are they simply “professionals” in that they are getting paid to do it?

 

[Wookie]

@Wookie

We are both professionals (engineers/scientists) and this question is honestly asked:

What is their overseeing body and what are the requirements for becoming a professional collector?

Good call. They get paid to do it, and most do it for a living. I consider that a professional. Kinda like a commercial fisherman. Maybe a better term would be "Commercial Collector"? As opposed to recreational collectors, or commercial divers, as opposed to recreational divers.

A LOT of them in the keys (I posted 3 commercial collectors earlier) hire marine biologists to do the actual collections, it's a way for a Marine Bio to make a actual living down here. I know lots of collectors working someone else's license....

Another question might be, do they follow commercial diving rules, as they do meet the definition....

Recreational Harvest of Marine Life (Aquarium) Species

Marine Life and Tropical Ornamentals

 

[hilljo88]

I signed Jim's petition and shared it on FaceBook.

Somewhat related story:
We were diving the bridge last night. In a bit early, strong tidal flow. Two of us had cameras and friend "J" who was holding our dive flag got blown under bridge and was looking around just north of the east side span. Group of guys were fishing from the bridge. J, a very experienced diver, is looking around in about 20 feet of water when suddenly she feels she is getting pulled in several different directions. The guys on the bridge mistook her for a school of Jacks and threw a net down onto her! Her husband, who was nearby, surfaced with her. Guys on the bridge shouted "We got you Momma. Don't cut the net. We'll help you out". They gently dragged her to the bank where she and her husband were able to untangle her. Nobody panicked and she was unharmed, with a good story. No report if these were the Texans, or if they just didnt have a tank big enough to hold her!

 

[lowviz]

@Wookie, thanks for your detailed reply.

So it is possible that the permit holder 'subcontracted' the work. And this is my point. Without any oversight or any means to pull (nonexistent) certifications, there is an open door to abuse. I agree with your calling this 'commercial' rather than 'professional'.

Most likely this will produce legislation without input from 'honest' collectors.

 

[gypsyjim]

Or are they simply “professionals” in that they are getting paid to do it?

"Professionals" working the streets generally have passed no strenuous certifaction and licensing procedures.
Getting paid is often all that is required to earn that label.

 

[dberry]

I signed Jim's petition and shared it on FaceBook.

Somewhat related story:
We were diving the bridge last night. In a bit early, strong tidal flow. Two of us had cameras and friend "J" who was holding our dive flag got blown under bridge and was looking around just north of the east side span. Group of guys were fishing from the bridge. J, a very experienced diver, is looking around in about 20 feet of water when suddenly she feels she is getting pulled in several different directions. The guys on the bridge mistook her for a school of Jacks and threw a net down onto her! Her husband, who was nearby, surfaced with her. Guys on the bridge shouted "We got you Momma. Don't cut the net. We'll help you out". They gently dragged her to the bank where she and her husband were able to untangle her. Nobody panicked and she was unharmed, with a good story. No report if these were the Texans, or if they just didnt have a tank big enough to hold her!

Is it normal for folks fishing the BHB to use a net big enough to snag an adult woman?

 

[Wookie]

Is it normal for folks fishing the BHB to use a net big enough to snag an adult woman?

No doubt a cast net. Pretty easy to tie someone up with one.