Resource Library

An Open Letter from Terry Maas to SAC

First let me qualify the following remarks. I speak as an individual, a concerned sportsman.

I am sorry to see that recent discussions regarding the Revillagigedos (Rev.) have, in some cases, devolved into an “us versus them” argument.

As I see it, we are in almost total agreement as to the fundamental issues surrounding the Rev. problem.

1.- This world-class environment is being severely impacted by poachers.

2.- Sportfishers (anglers and divers) are not the root of the problem.

3.- In fact, sportfishers offer one of the best solutions to the preservation of the biosphere.

Where I think we (all of us) lose perspective is when we try to interpret and control actions taken by a separate and sovereign state Mexico. Mexico has made, and continues to make, fundamental changes as a result of the change in the ruling party. Mr. Fox has made it clear to his citizens that the old ways of graft and corruption will end. While these goals are laudable, they are obviously difficult to implement is a short time. Nevertheless, the Fox government is making good on many of its promises.

When I met with representatives of Mexico’s top conservationists and leaders last month, I was surprised with their humility, intelligence, compassion and overall grasp of local and global concerns. These men can speak on any topic, from politics, economics to biology with equal in-depth knowledge—all in English. A slight digression might help clarify their perspective. Could you expect such a discussion from our leaders with the Mexicans—in the Mexican language? Further, do you think our leaders would give the Mexicans the time of day if we were discussing their right to send fishing vessels from Ensenada to fish Catalina and the Channel Islands?

The Mexican leaders know that their chief problem resides within their country. Many of their commercial fishermen sneak or bribe their way into protected waters. The catching of the illegal long-liner the Blufin while we visited with them was a dash of cold water on the face of these leaders.

We were afraid that out of rage and not a little embarrassment these leaders would call for an immediate closure of islands. There are all too many wonderful fishing areas closed already, the Tres Marias several hundred miles to the south and Cocos Island off Costa Rica just to name a few. We respectfully begged that these officials allow current sportsmen to continue at the Islands because of the valuable anti-poaching “eyes” that they provide. The sudden cancellation of fishing permits to the Islands was, indeed unfortunate—a temporary loss to those of us with trips scheduled this spring. I am especially sympathetic of the San Diego based long-range fleet, their customers and suppliers that laterally had their feet pulled out from under them.

While the Islands are temporally closed to prefect a management plan, which many in Mexico say will include sportsmen, we all have an opportunity to impact the plan by providing scientific input.

I think everyone agrees that the science surrounding the Revs. is lacking. A lot has been made about the unscientific anecdotal observations made by the Sea Watch divers. I studied Zoology at UC Berkeley with a minor in marine science. I agree that our observations cannot be considered science. In fact, this is why I have waited a full 10 years to speak out about the drastic decrease in marine life and gamefish I have been witnessing. I kept telling myself just what others have said, “The fish are offshore, it’s an El Nino phenomenon, the fish are running deep, the bait has moved and all the fish have followed…” I cannot keep my face in the sand any longer. The fish are disappearing from the Islands and fast! I agree that there are annual and seasonal, even daily changes in fish habits. And the occasional bonanza still happens. However, when you take the peaks and valleys in fish observations, the trend is clear—it is headed down at a steep angle.

Over 20 years, I have learned the best locations to find pelagics. Not coincidentally, these areas are often adjacent long-range boats. Schools of 30 or more wahoo used to be the norm. Now they are rare. And their size is embarrassingly small-just little guys now. 200-lb tuna used to be commonplace, now I’m lucky to see one or two a trip. The never-ending schools of small tuna are all gone. Even if we take at face value those in the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission who say, “Clearly the yellow fin tuna stocks are healthy”, the fact remains, the fish are decreasing around the Revs.

Here is where I think the anglers and divers can offer a great deal to the implementation of the management plan. We should open our records to scientists for study. Each trip should provide space for a scientific observer, and each trip should allow for a small percentage if it’s time in the pursuit of scientific information about the biology and health of the Rev. marine environment. The sooner we can get together, the sooner we will have the Islands reopened and under favorable terms for anglers and divers alike.

As for interdiction, the Bluefin has been confiscated. The Mexican Navy just impounded two poaching long-liners. With the use of real-time satellite imagery, their efforts should be more effective. The message is out, “fish the Rev. illegally and your out of business.” Let’s hope this effort is sustainable.