# Does Obama Want To Ban Sportfishing?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152
**Category:** Great Debates
**Created:** [March 11, 2010, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152 "2010-03-11T20:23:40Z")
**Posts on this page:** 18
**Page:** 3
### Author:  [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)
#### Post date: [March 12, 2010, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152/41 "2010-03-12T17:04:08Z")
> [@elucidator](#):
>
> Well, how about as a fashion statement?
>
> “Dude, all the guys in the band have piercings, but that guy’s got a fishing lure through his lip! Awesome!”
>
> “Well, he is the bass player…”
I’m not that much of a Daredevil.
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### Author:  [@HookerChemical](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HookerChemical)
#### Post date: [March 12, 2010, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152/42 "2010-03-12T18:38:10Z")
Not to divert attention from fishy puns, but I’d like to point out that regulatorsmay relax the rules for salmon fishing again off California, Oregon, and Washington. It’s not a done deal and there would still be restrictions, but it seems to me they’re at least moving the direction opposite the “Obama wants to ban fishing” direction.
> **[Salmon season set to open for one-week window](https://www.hmbreview.com/news/breaking_news/salmon-season-set-to-open-for-one-week-window/article_ecc05f72-e9d5-5bc7-be6e-a4ff2f869e08.html)**
>
> UPDATE—As the Pacific Fishery Management Council considers the fate of West Coast salmon season this year, a stipulation buried in the council’s adopted plans virtually guarantees anglers in California at
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### Author:  [@focusonz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/focusonz)
#### Post date: [March 16, 2010, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152/43 "2010-03-16T16:59:51Z")
> [@SteveG1](#):
>
> I like to fish myself.
> So, I would guess it’s a nonsense story.
> Actually it’s pretty damn sad if this is all the “loyal” opposition can come up with to drum up outrage. Well no, it’s pretty pathetic.
Are you really going to bet your future fishing pleasure on a guess?
> [@](#):
>
> “When the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) completed their successful campaign to convince the Ontario government to end one of the best scientifically managed big-game hunts in North America (spring bear), the results of their agenda had severe economic impacts on small family businesses and the tourism economy of communities across northern and central Ontario,” said Phil Morlock, director of environmental affairs for Shimano.
>
> "Now we see NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and the administration planning the future of recreational fishing access in America based on a similar agenda of these same groups and other Big Green anti-use organizations, through an Executive Order by the President. The current U.S. direction with fishing is a direct parallel to what happened in Canada with hunting: The negative economic impacts on hard-working American families and small businesses are being ignored.
> [Culled out - ESPN](http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/saltwater/news/story?id=4975762)
And do you really trust The Obama administration not to meddle in the states management of local fishing to satiate the demands of the likes of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
> [@](#):
>
> As ESPN previously reported, WWF, Greenpeace, Defenders of Wildlife, Pew Environment Group and others produced a document entitled “Transition Green” shortly after Obama was elected in 2008.
>
> What has happened since suggests that the task force has been in lockstep with that position paper,
The Obama administration has ended public input but the pressuring from these organizations never ends. What is with that?
> [@](#):
>
> The environmental zealots have tugged on obama’s nose ring and now new regulations could ban fishing
> To a sportsman like me, this is certainly a cause for attention and concern, as some fringe environmental groups have expressed foolish and extreme ideas about fishing which responsible anglers and sportsmen would certainly like to counter.
> [http://onlinephotocar.com/hot-trends/environmental-zealots-tugged-obamas-nose-ring-regulations-ban-fishing.html](http://onlinephotocar.com/hot-trends/environmental-zealots-tugged-obamas-nose-ring-regulations-ban-fishing.html)
Who do you think have the ear of the administration a little ole state or fisherman or an international world wide organization?
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### Author:  [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)
#### Post date: [March 16, 2010, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152/44 "2010-03-16T17:16:39Z")
> [@focusonz](#):
>
> Are you really going to bet your future fishing pleasure on a guess?
Actually, yes I am. We had a similar flap in California during the last governor election. I still have a copy of Arnold’s “solemn oath” that he was not going to ban sportfishing. And, he never did ban it. Funny, neither he nor his opponents had said anything at all about it until it had bubbled up from who knows where. I think Obama would have the same sort of disclaimer, and outlook.
> [@](#):
>
> And do you really trust The Obama administration not to meddle in the states management of local fishing to satiate the demands of the likes of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
Actually, yes I do. They have scientific and managerial agencies within the government that can give them all the data they need or want, and I trust them more with “the science” than I do the last administration.
> [@](#):
>
> The Obama administration has ended public input but the pressuring from these organizations never ends. What is with that?
The pressuring never ends? That is true of every issue, no matter how important or unimportant it is. There is always pressure from one group or another.
> [@](#):
>
> Who do you think have the ear of the administration a little ole state or fisherman or an international world wide organization?
If Obama, or anyone in Congress sides with them instead of us, we can always vote them the hell out.
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### Author:  [@tr0psn4j](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tr0psn4j)
#### Post date: [March 16, 2010, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152/45 "2010-03-16T17:25:14Z")
> [@](#):
>
> Actually, yes I am. We had a similar flap in California during the last governor election. I still have a copy of Arnold’s “solemn oath” that he was not going to ban sportfishing. And, he never did ban it. Funny, neither he nor his opponents had said anything at all about it until it had bubbled up from who knows where. I think Obama would have the same sort of disclaimer, and outlook.
[Have you seen all the areas that are proposed to be close in California?](http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/pdfs/scmpas_report_030310.pdf)
Arnold might not have outright banned it, but he did absolutely nothing to help it either IMO.
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### Author:  [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)
#### Post date: [March 16, 2010, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152/46 "2010-03-16T17:36:55Z")
> [@tr0psn4j](#):
>
> [Have you seen all the areas that are proposed to be close in California?](http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/pdfs/scmpas_report_030310.pdf)
>
> Arnold might not have outright banned it, but he did absolutely nothing to help it either IMO.
I just took a look. Those areas are proposed, not cast in cement. They may be changed or decreased, who knows. There were similar proposals in the past (such as the instance I mentioned). If these areas are “nurseries” or breeding grounds, then it makes sense to protect them. That would ensure a healthy stock for the future, so we can continue to enjoy fishing. From my initial look, also a lot of mention is made of dredging, structures and the like, not specifically sportfishing. Realistically, commercial overfishing, and and loss of nursery areas to development/construction have a far larger impact than any sportfishers could ever have.
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### Author:  [@Icarus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icarus)
#### Post date: [March 16, 2010, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152/47 "2010-03-16T17:38:51Z")
Honestly, does anyone really believe Obama is going to accomplish any his stated goals, let alone his “secret agenda” that all these opponents keep floating out there as “Obama’s going to ban X!”???
Y’all are being played for votes and campaign contributions.
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### Author:  [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)
#### Post date: [March 16, 2010, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152/48 "2010-03-16T17:40:52Z")
> [@Icarus](#):
>
> Honestly, does anyone really believe Obama is going to accomplish any his stated goals, let alone his “secret agenda” that all these opponents keep floating out there as “Obama’s going to ban X!”???
>
> Y’all are being played for votes and campaign contributions.
Yeah, I’m pretty bummed out about the Space Weapons myself. I always wanted a Death Star of my very own. Frackin’ party pooper.
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### Author:  [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)
#### Post date: [March 16, 2010, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152/49 "2010-03-16T18:38:58Z")
> [@focusonz](#):
>
> … The Obama administration has ended public input but the pressuring from these organizations never ends. What is with that? …
No, Obama did nothing of the sort, the public review and comment period simply ended
> [@](#):
>
> [**The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force**](http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/oceans)
>
> On June 12, 2009, President Obama sent a memorandum to the heads of executive departments and federal agencies establishing an Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, led by the White House Council on Environmental Quality. The Task Force is charged with developing a recommendation for a national policy that ensures protection, maintenance, and restoration of oceans, our coasts and the Great Lakes. It will also recommend a framework for improved stewardship, and effective coastal and marine spatial planning. …
> … The Chair will terminate the Task Force upon the completion of its duties.
>
> The time period to submit comments to the Task Force has closed, but you can read comments from others. The Task Force’s Interim Framework is open for comment through Friday, February 12, 2010.
Here’s the [memo](http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/page/files/2009ocean_mem_rel.pdf) (PDF), “Within 180 days from the date of this memorandum, the Task Force shall develop, with appropriate public input, a recommended framework for effective coastal and marine spatial planning.”
The time period to submit comments to the Task Force has closed because 180 days after June 12, 2009 the Task Force ceased to exist.
> [@](#):
>
> [**Ocean Policy Task Force: Interim Framework for Effective Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning**](http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/oceans/interim-framework)
> On December 14, 2009, President Obama’s Ocean Policy Task Force released its Interim Framework for Effective Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning (Interim Framework) for a 60-day public review and comment period. …
The 60 days are up. There are always time limits on public review and comment periods (60 days is pretty typical) if there wasn’t then it would be impossible to ever make regulatory changes.
There’s nothing unusual or sinister about **any** of this.
Do you really think that Shimano et.al. isn’t pressuring the Obama administration just like the groups you **are** concerned about?
CMC fnord!
BTW Nice cites, an [editorial](http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/saltwater/columns/story?columnist=bowman_steve&id=4982359) and a blog?
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### Author:  [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)
#### Post date: [March 16, 2010, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152/50 "2010-03-16T19:51:53Z")
> [@crowmanyclouds](#):
>
> BTW Nice cites, an [editorial](http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/saltwater/columns/story?columnist=bowman_steve&id=4982359) and a blog?
Shrug. I’m a sportfisherman, I grew up on it. If any areas are “fenced off” because they are spawning grounds and are necessary to ensure the survival of the fish and increase their numbers, I support it. If they are fenced off because someone with no scientific background wanted to save the sea kittens, or just thinks fishing is icky, I am against it. Like I said before, sportfishing isn’t the largest threat. The largest threats are “reclamation” (code speak for commercial development) and uncontrolled commercial fishing.
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### Author:  [@sqweels](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sqweels)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2010, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152/51 "2010-03-17T17:41:13Z")
Boy, the right is really blowing a seal on this one.
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### Author:  [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)
#### Post date: [March 17, 2010, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152/52 "2010-03-17T18:03:01Z")
> [@sqweels](#):
>
> Boy, the right is really blowing a seal on this one.
Groan 😃
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### Author:  [@markci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markci)
#### Post date: [March 18, 2010, 6:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152/53 "2010-03-18T06:40:18Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#):
>
> Ya know, when I saw “Shimano” in the ESPN article, without a qualifier as to who or what Shimano was, I had to stop and scratch my head.
>
> “Aren’t those the guys who make bicycle parts?” I asked myself. “Why do they care about fishing?”
>
> Then I remembered seeing their name in ads in my kayaking mags. So I guess they have a stake in this, but: why is it such a big deal?
Shimano is one of the leading manufacturers of rods and reels for recreational fishing.
But there is no big deal. Public commenting period ended. Non story.
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### Author:  [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)
#### Post date: [March 18, 2010, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152/54 "2010-03-18T12:16:39Z")
I haven’t read the thread, but the answer is no.
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### Author:  [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)
#### Post date: [March 18, 2010, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152/55 "2010-03-18T14:31:24Z")
Well, they’re teaching the controversy.
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### Author:  [@Carptracker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carptracker)
#### Post date: [March 31, 2010, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152/56 "2010-03-31T03:44:24Z")
Right, the Obama administration spends nearly 80 million to save the Great Lakes Sport fishery from Asian carp, then bans sport fishing. Real believable. I’m sorry, but this whole thing is just simply rediculous. I am (or was - too damn busy now) a very serious fisherman. I have a life list of over 250 species on a line. I have been employed as a fishery biologist in various government agencies for nearly 30 years. I have absolutely NO fear that sport fishing will be banned, or that anybody in government could get away with it if they DID want to. And if it was, I would be out of a job, because there would be no reason to employ a fishery biologist if there was no fishery. I’m not worried and you should not be either.
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### Author:  [@Lust4Life](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lust4Life)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2010, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152/57 "2010-04-02T14:56:08Z")
Sounds to me like people spreading crap and hoping that at least some of it sticks.
Theres plenty of the intellectually challenged out there and if just a few of them believe it then its a partial success.
One of the ways B/S rumours like this are spread while trying to project a degree of impartiality is to say that they’re not sure if the rumour is true or not and to ask other peoples opinions on the subject.
Of course the rumour having only having been made up shortly before,the first response of the majority is that they hadn’t heard of it before (but now they do ) and for some it will be that there must be at least something in it or why else would there be speculation on the topic?
Sounds like the American Right will stoop as low as it takes to try and score points.
If they’re prepared to lie like this while out of the presidency what further depths will they sink to when they have the government machine behind them?
Not the sort of people I’d like to be in charge of me thats for sure.
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### Author:  [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2010, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-obama-want-to-ban-sportfishing/532152/58 "2010-04-02T15:50:12Z")
C’mon, guys! Obama has haddock with those damn sports fishermen from hell. I’m tired of all this carping from you shark huggers! He’s not about to let the sports fishermen skate on this one, not when they continue to lure thousands of innocent fish to their doom every day!
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