How would you handle this?

[MXGratefulDiver]

It's nice to see that my Internet trial is continuing apace.

Meanwhile, back in the real world, we had our meeting with the Fish and Wildlife Commission this morning. We spent an hour listening to the Director's report of activities since the last meeting ... the most significant of which was this octopus hunt and the flurry of activity at WDFW during the past week. I was surprised to hear that in the 40 years since this had become a popular dive site, this was the first reported octopus hunt there. Before we could even present our input, the director laid out the four options that were under consideration ... all of which had been discussed among ourselves at our planning meeting three days ago. The director indicated that some form of closure to octopus hunting at this site was strongly favored, but that they wanted to study the issue more before determining which option to select. He also indicated that, since this was an isolated incident, emergency closure wasn't warranted ... but that if there was another taking before they reached a final resolution that position would be reconsidered.

Then we were given a chance to present our speakers. The first speaker was our young hunter, Dylan. He talked about the hunt, his reasons for it, and expressed support for closure, but also expressing his opposition to statewide closure of octopus hunting (one of the options on the table). I saw a different young man today than the one I saw a week ago ... one who can get a lot of acceptance and respect from the community, and who showed respect for others. It took some courage for him to stand up, look at a crowd of people who had so recently given him a hard time, and voice his support for what we're trying to do. And after he finished, the Speaker had to remind us that applause is not normally allowed during these hearings ... but in this case she was going to make an exception.

Several speakers followed, including the president of our largest dive club, former president of the Washington Scuba Alliance, dive shop owners, and my "partner in crime" Scott, who presented a compelling case for considering this protection. I believe it's going to happen. Several on the commission expressed surprise that this hadn't been brought up years ago.

Prior to the meeting, Dylan and I had a chance to speak to each other privately, shake hands, and offer apologies in both directions for the emotional roller coaster of the past few days. I don't think either one of us expected our internet activities to elicit the responses it did. Overall though, I think in the long term it will result in more positives than negatives for all concerned ... the octopuses we're trying to protect, the dive community, and Dylan.

Y'all may now resume your trial. Sorry for the interruption ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[nimoh]

Bob, this is great news.

I'm sure it has been a stressful week, and it is nice to see it winding down to a peaceful end.

 

[letterboy]

ARGH GRAB THE PITCH FORKS!!!!!!!













Glad to see you were able to speak with the young man. Kudos to both of you for stepping up and being men about it.

 

[D_B]

wow, just wow .. what a great finish

 

[gypsyjim]

Funny how things can work out if we can listen to someone else explain their side of a disagreement, and they will do the same for us.

 

[Zieg]

Glad to see you were able to speak with the young man. Kudos to both of you for stepping up and being men about it.

Finally

 

[kotik]

Bob, thanks for the account. I have to say that I'm impressed that Dylan attended and spoke. His behavior has been far from perfect, but that's something many of us have in common. This had to be an uncomfortable situation for him to face, and it sounds like he went through it as a man. It shows some strength.

It's good to hear the two of you took the chance to make some peace face to face. I think nothing helps us develop as people better than looking in the face of someone you've been angry with, relaxing, shaking hands, and acknowledging that both of you had a part in the difficulties.

 

[oldschoolto]

Glad it all worked out for the best... Now Dylan and Bob need to go diving and Drink to bowlegged woman...
And I'd like to add.... Kodo's to Dylan for going to the meeting and speaking.... I'm sure he will look back at this 50yrs from now and be thankful for the talk on the beach with Bob.... Every guy has a story about the old goat and the talk....
Jim....

 

[chillyinCanada]

Congrats Bob and Dylan, that's a wonderful and kinda surprising outcome.

 

[Mike]

He also indicated that, since this was an isolated incident, emergency closure wasn't warranted ... but that if there was another taking before they reached a final resolution that position would be reconsidered.

Then Several on the commission expressed surprise that this hadn't been brought up years ago.

I think those 2 statements, especially the one I bolded, are very telling. They indicate to me that all the positions of "It's legal to do it (take a octopus a day by each diver) so nobody should stand in the way of the current regulations", is not very relevant. The fact the FWC would close the cove immediately to octopus hunting if another legal taking occurred, is the best evidence to indicate how the FWC sees the current regulations as being very incorrect.

Sounds to me that without a doubt they are going to either close the cove to octopus hunting or change the bag limit severely.