While most Americans are distracted by the major statist initiatives of the Obama administration, there seem to be a school of more insidious ones swimming dangerously close to your bass bait.<\/p>\n
Ever hear of \u201cmarine spatial planning?\u201d\u00a0 Well, we hadn\u2019t either, until ESPNOutdoors.com brought the concept to our attention.\u00a0 It seems there is this thing called the \u201cOcean Policy Task Force.\u201d\u00a0 That esteemed body wants to \u201czone\u201d fishing waters.\u00a0 Fears that this will lead to fishing bans may be premature, but the anti-fishing activism of environmental groups, and their influence, coupled with a\u00a0 shutdown of public input on the issue have recreational anglers groups on edge.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s Chris Horton, national conservation director for BASS:\u00a0 \u201cWith what\u2019s being created, the same principles could apply inland as apply to the oceans.\u00a0 Under the guise of \u2018marine spatial planning\u2019 entire watersheds could be shut down, even 2,000 miles up a river drainage from the ocean.\u00a0 Every angler needs to be aware because if it\u2019s not happening in your backyard today or tomorrow, it will be eventually.\u201d<\/p>\n