High hopes for Dana Point revitalization

Re: Orange County finally breaks ground on Dana Point Harbor revitalization (July 15 issue). I administered the public-private partnership leasing program at the harbor when it was built and through 1978, and was involved in the planning for the harbor then. It was always intended to not only be a harbor for boaters but also a place where the non-boating public could picnic and have access to the water too. It is my observation that the harbor has served its purpose well. I hope that the revitalization will not over-commercialize the harbor at the expense of public access and use of the original recreational amenities.

Larry Leaman

Angler-expert partnership required to effectively manage fishing resources

Re: Marine Protected Areas: Trying to balance angling and boating interests with conservation (July 15 issue). The FGC is being controlled by anti-fishing and hunting concerns. The creation of MPA’s was lacking verified science making it impossible to verify any real change. To think that I as a recreational fisherman would willingly destroy the resource I love is ridiculous. The resource belongs to the people, all of them, not just the “enlightened” few. It should be managed with sound science. There are far better ways to accomplish this goal other than simply shutting something down. Let the experts, not the emotional, manage the resource. Only then can everyone benefit. Fishermen should be partners in this, not alienated. Just look at what has been done for the White Seabass, and without the help of these elitists I might add!

Eric Campbell

Looking forward to a new launch ramp

Re: Shelter Island Boat Launch Ramp gets Coastal Commission approval (July 15 issue). I’m not local, we’re a few hours away but vacation in San Diego and this is also one of the places we launch from in addition to Mission Bay areas so I say thumbs up; sounds like an excellent plan.

Leo

Skip the hoist

Re: Redondo Beach Harbor interest group tries again for ballot initiative (July 15 issue). The easiest and most cost efficient way to handle launching boats anytime during peak and non-peak seasons is using a marina forklift instead of a hoist. A marina forklift can efficiently pick boats up to 30 feet long off a trailer and launch the boats with its negative lift. In some marina operations in the USA, marina forklifts have been able to launch up to 20 boats an hour. A example of a successful marina forklift operation in SoCal is Lido Yacht Anchorage in Newport Beach. The cost of building a traditional boat launch ramp versus a marina forklift launch is probably a quarter of the cost and a quarter of the space needed. It’s also a much cleaner (green) process as well. The trailers with grease and road grime from the road would not touch the water. Just a thought.

Michael Marzahl

Just say no to revitalization

Re: Redondo Beach continues to flesh out plans for waterfront revitalization (July 3 issue). This project has not been planned with people who would like to enjoy the harbor. This would be a structural and planning monstrosity. It’s apparent to me that the city is selling the residents and the south bay short. Shame on the mayor and the city council. Can you say “Recall”!

Klint Nyberg

 

From The Log’s Facebook page

Headline blunder

The Log: Check out this headline in a local #newspaper. What’s a “bluefish” #tuna? #fishing

(Re: Fishermen could be barred from catching bluefish tuna, Los Angeles Times article, posted July 9)

Robert Peterson: There is already a two fish limit. But, I’m sure it’s a racial thing … the yellowfin are upset and probably promoting this because the bluefin are getting so much more attention.

Dan N Beverly: Good grief. More environmental whack jobs with nothing better to do.

The Log: ICYMI: There is an effort to have #Pacific bluefin #tuna classified as an #EndangeredSpecies. Do you think this tuna species should be protected? (Re: Groups seek endangered species status for Pacific bluefin tuna posted July 8)

Nathan Zane Schaefer: The issue is hardly sportfishing. When you have foreign countries who don’t practice common sense harvesting techniques stopping local sportfishing is pretty useless. One gill net does more damage the hundreds of sport fishermen. Over harvesting is a worldwide issue. One smart alternative to banning fishing all together, would be to implement an artificial bait only rule in alternating areas. This would drastically reduce catch, yet people would still be fishing and thereby not affecting the already impacted industry/sport.