Forget swimming on Cape Cod

[Yachter Yat]

https://people.com/human-interest/man-killed-shark-attack-arthur-medici-26/

   It's getting ridiculous!  Ever since the seal population was allowed to go unchecked out there; in the past few years, the White Shark count out on Cape Cod has literally exploded.  One man bitten earlier this summer still recovering in Boston, and now, this young man killed.  All summer, it seemed like almost every evening there was something on the news about these sharks.  Most people don't even dare set foot in the water.   We used to love going down to Martha's Vineyard to boat and swim in, what was always, much warmer salt water than off our coast.   I don't know........those days may be over. 


Yat

[croaker stroker]

Southern California has the same situation. The "save the mammals" groups have gone overboard (pardon the pun) saving the Sea Lions. There must be sooo much money donated to these groups that they have become politically powerful. But they have now upset the balance of nature. I think there should be restrictions placed on these groups.

I just got back from a trip to Denali National Park. There are rules in place in the Park which forbids humans from interacting with the animals. If an animal is seen dieing or in distress, people are forbidden to interfere.

In my lifetime, I have never seen White Sharks and Orcas spotted so often in Southern California. I have also never seen Sea Lions so overpopulated.

In Newport beach, they even have a "Seal Abatement" business to protect the moored boats.  :hoboy:

http://www.cbs8.com/story/39062055/watch-pod-of-orcas-swimming-off-san-diego-coast

[Yachter Yat]

   I'm not sure what would scare me more.........Great Whites or Orcas.    With respect to Cape Cod, the concern now is the effect this recent increase in the White Shark population is going to have on the tourist industry.  The two people bitten, within a short period of time, (and one killed) made the National news, but it goes deeper than that.  What you may not hear much about is the often "clearing" of the water by the lifeguards because one of these monsters is seen a stone's throw from the beach.  Miles and miles of sandy beaches and water warm enough to tolerate isn't going to do the tourist industry much good if something isn't done.  In fact, there's been some talk in the news regarding how some of the towns plan to address this problem.  Obviously, peoples' safety is top concern, but in terms of priorities, the long term effect this will have on the overall economy of an area who's primary industry relies on its geographical resource has now found itself close to the top of the list. 

Yat

[Yachter Yat]

   For the sake of not being misunderstood; I'm not suggesting these sharks should be eliminated.  That would be a mistake!  However, I do think the solution may be to "diminish" their menu to the point that they're then forced to find another place to dine.  :whistle:


Yat 

[AJFishin]

X2 on everything Croaker said on what's going on down here and just last week on the news it showed a couple fishermen cruising on their boat with a couple Orcas behind them . The seals are everywhere and creating lots of problems, it's almost impossible to fish and not have some circling your boat just waiting for their next easy snack.
During the "Shark Week" on the Discovery Channel, they brought up the problem with the Great Whites on our central coast (Red Triangle) and reports of shark attacks and great white sightings have increased and almost doubled in the last 10 years. They said this is mainly do to the over population of seals that have been growing out of contron.
There are two many of these "save the mammals" groups and not enough information out there that shows what the dangers are and the impacts on the environment are, for allowing these seals to grow in population.
My nephew in Washington has told me stories of seals way up in the rivers that he fishes, chasing salmon
The seal population needs to be thinned out.

[Fisherdv]

We get seals/sea lions way up in the rivers here too

[headduck]

Perhaps once we accept global warming/climate change we can maybe stretch into what seems like high school or at best  undergraduate levels of understanding of ecology... 

[Yachter Yat]

https://www.boston25news.com/news/a-change-in-the-waters-cape-cod-leaders-split-on-shark-problem/836248232


Yat

[Markshoreline]

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/sports/outdoors-seals-and-sea-lions-contributing-to-orcas-woes/

At least there's becoming awareness that fishermen are not the source of all ecological disasters...

[Rokefin]

You wont ever catch me in waters where Great Whites roam.....ever.  Those Whites will come right up to the beach.

We have a Great White  buoy right outside Tamales Bay where I fish, I heard it is a tracking buoy for UC Davis shark studies.

[AJFishin]

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/sports/outdoors-seals-and-sea-lions-contributing-to-orcas-woes/

At least there's becoming awareness that fishermen are not the source of all ecological disasters...

[StreamFixer]

Went to a salmon fishing meeting a year or so ago.  There were 2 or 3 young kids there (all looking like they needed a good meal) from the local community college wearing sweat shirts with "Sea Lion Protection Brigade" stenciled on them.

At one point they had the floor and began with the statement that there were only 30,000 of these poor animals left in the world and it was our responsibility to see they were not wiped out.  Likely one of the academics at the Community College was advising them.  At any rate a fellow from Oregon Fish and Wildlife soon spoke up and explained to those kids that there were more than 30K just of the coast of Oregon, with an additional 300,000 along the west coast of USA alone...  Then the west side of S. America and the remainder of the world.  I am sure the kids didn't believe a word he said...

Yat -- I am pretty sure there is not a single case on record of an Orca killing a human...  Makes for good movies though...

StreamFixer

[Fisherdv]

Wasn't there a Japan whaling boat just recently that 14 crew members were eaten by orcas 

[Hunter]

I personally would like to see the Orca's organize a complex war against all tribal and non tribal commercial tribal fisheries and form an alliance with the sport fisherman to share the resource respectfully and responsibly.   All families, including Orcas, should be able to harvest enough salmon enough for their families using either their mouths while swimming or.... a single barbless hook.   

[croaker stroker]

Wasn't there a Japan whaling boat just recently that 14 crew members were eaten by orcas 

https://worldnewsdailyreport.com/japanese-whaling-crew-eaten-alive-by-killer-whales-16-dead/

[Marine40]

Need a bigger boat

[Tj805]

You wont ever catch me in waters where Great Whites roam.....ever.  Those Whites will come right up to the beach.

We have a Great White  buoy right outside Tamales Bay where I fish, I heard it is a tracking buoy for UC Davis shark studies.

Haha that's funny
Last season one of my bodega trips, a guy got on the radio and said he saw a half chomped sea lion floating
Near that buoy.
Warned all the abalone divers mr grey was on the prowl and hungry.

[Yachter Yat]

Yat -- I am pretty sure there is not a single case on record of an Orca killing a human...  Makes for good movies though...

StreamFixer
[/quoteB

   Sorry, but nothing could be further from the truth; as evidenced by Croaker's link.  In the wild or in captivity, we should be aware that these animals are "extremely" dangerous to humans.  Many may not recall "Tilikum".  This whale was responsible for 3 deaths, alone.  You can read about it here:    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilikum_(orca)    You never, ever want to forget........these are called "Killer Whales" for a reason.  In a sense, Orcas may, in fact, be more sinister than sharks in that they actually have the power to reason.  A shark is "prehistoric".  It will kill you by mistake; not realizing (until it's taken your leg off with one swipe) that you weren't on its menu.  Killer whales, on the other hand, might get together and devise a plan to play catch with you.  Always keep in mind:  Either animal has the potential to kill you.......it's just the motivation that's different.  Be smart.......be careful!


Yat

[StreamFixer]

I stand corrected...

As far as the Jap whalers becoming Orca poo,  Yeah Orca's  !!!  Saved the world courts a bunch of money prosecuting illegal whaling...

StreamFixer

[Rokefin]

I personally would like to see the Orca's organize a complex war against all tribal and non tribal commercial tribal fisheries and form an alliance with the sport fisherman to share the resource respectfully and responsibly.   All families, including Orcas, should be able to harvest enough salmon enough for their families using either their mouths while swimming or.... a single barbless hook.   

I'll second that...

[Yachter Yat]

I stand corrected...

As far as the Jap whalers becoming Orca poo,  Yeah Orca's  !!!  Saved the world courts a bunch of money prosecuting illegal whaling...

StreamFixer

   Yeah Fixer.......I'm with you!  Whenever I see films of people killing these beautiful and majestic creatures, I find it hard to look without choking-up.


Yat

[Wiley]

Hmm Nishin Maru. Main target boat from whale wars. Perhaps the Orcas were going for an eye for an eye...
Payback was definitely due.

[polarbill1999]

Just an FYI but the Nishin Maru thing is fake.

[Hunter]

I grew up Abalone diving of the north CA coast around Fort Brag, Point Arena, Navarro River, etc.    Also did a lot of fishing at the Farralons.  Basic rule was don't dive a dusk or dawn.  We also stayed away from Tomalas Bay and no diving at all at the Farralons......which sucks because I know the diving there would be lights out awesome.   I've been bottom fishing at the Farralons and had my bottom alarm go off in 400ft of water...and no sign of whales.   I know it was Whitie.   Ab divers call Whitie "The Landlord"....... don't be there on rent day.   

Pinnipeds need to be culled.....    What we really need is for some Einstine to come up with a dart that will permanently sterilize the males.