What would you do....

[Jon C]

While diving locally this weekend, my buddy and I came across a diver in a very distinct BC working on a lobster trap. He had a pair of plyers and did not see us until we swam by. I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt and thought maybe he dropped in from his lobster boat and was doing some repair. He also had a speargun.

Later, when we surfaced, he was climbing up the stairs on shore; looking back at us nervously. He and his buddy had two very full lobster bags. By the time we got out and up, they were gone.

I have little doubt he and his buddy were poaching someone elses catch. In fact, a lobster boat showed up while we were there and was pulling up (empty) traps. I wouldn't doubt he was cursing us, believing us to be the culprits.

So, do you confront a suspicious diver (with a speargun) in the water poaching lobster (and probably the few endangered abalone)? Do you report it to the authorities and what...describe him as a guy with a mask, reg and a hood dressed in black? What would that accomplish? Even if we got a license number, we could not identify him. Yeah, he was over the limit, but do Fish and Game even pursue this if they are not caught in the act?

This give all of us a bad name and it makes me sick to think divers are out there doing this. Any suggestions for the future (other than carry a bigger speargun or cutting his hose a la SEAHUNT)?

Jon

 

[roakey]

Jon,

Ask the question over on the California BBS: http://diver.net/bbs/

They'll be able to tell you exactly what to do, what numbers to call, etc.

Roak

 

[Codyjp]

In the future that sort of activity should be reported to the authorities ASAP and get an ID on the guy if possible. There isn't much tohat can be done about it now.

 

[airsix]

IMHO the ONLY way there will EVER be ANY chance of good-will between lobstermen and divers is if we divers start policing our own. I would have no problem what so ever handing these yahoos over to some local lobstermen for some educating.

-Ben M.

 

[airsix]

There isn't much tohat can be done about it now.

I wouldn't give up so easily. I'd ask around. If you have local boards/clubs I'd start making noise. Describe the vehicle and equipment. Most divers will support the cause and someone is likely to ID the guys.

-Ben M.

 

[ckjacques53198]

Divers like that put out all in a negative light. In Mass. lobster fisherman are pushing to have laws enforced concerning each diver having a flag and being so many feet away from a pot. There are so many lobster pots in places that it would be impossible to "legally" dive there if enforced. I would have reported that guy to whoever would listen.

 

[DivetheRock]

I agree with airsix, on both his posts.
Fishing as a livelihood is a very serious business, as are all livelihoods, I guess. But, especially when there may or may not be food on the table depending on your catch.
I would make some noise (as airsix said), and start putting out their description, vehicle tag #s, whatever it takes. These are the sort of divers that make it bad for the rest, and quite obviously have no concern about an individual's livelihood. I think I wouldn't be able to keep quiet on a matter such as this, and would have told the fisherman involved what you had witnessed, and let them sort it out their way.
I know where I'm from, and I'm certain that where this happened is no different, fishermen and their property are not to be tampered with. If these guys get caught by the law then they should consider themselves extremely fortunate considering what a ticked off fisherman could do to them...lobster bait would be a good start.
This type of behaviour is inexcusable (ticks me off).

 

[MaxBottomtime]

1-888-DFG-CALTIP
(1-888-334-2258)
If your call leads to an arrest you are eligible for a cash award.

 

[dschulte]

Being from Gloucester Massachusetts, I have friends that are lobstermen. Report the divers or anyone else you see raiding traps. That is if you want to still dive in that area. Lobster is money and that drives legislation; :coffin: legislation takes dive sites away from divers.

:monkeydan

 

[1_T_Submariner]

I would make a call...But, I would not confront them you may be the last catch...