Smithsonian Institute's and Sylvia Earle Alliance submarine research at Hannibal Bank

**RedAg** · Mar-10-2012, 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by reganp

Unfortunately, history has shown repeatedly that unprotected resources like fish will always be over exploited and destroyed. Commercial exploitation will destroy Panama as it has elsewhere. Sportfisherman aid in the process when they advocate for no regulations. A more nuanced approach is always more difficult but that's the way to go if you enjoy fishing out there and expect to find great fishing once you get out there. Regulating fishing, especially commercial fishing, will mean a healthier resource for all--and better sport fishing. IMHO

I believe you statement regarding fisherman advocating no regulations is WAY OFF based. Most fisherman I know, and on this board would be completely on board with regulations to help protect the species and the health of the system.

**tap** · Mar-10-2012, 09:31 AM

Peter,
The commercial fishery is already being regulated in Panama and the sportfishing operations generally practice catch & release but I'm sure they would endorse stricter regulations to protect Hannibal and environs. Just don't shut us out completely. I'll quote from my article in last months Marlin Magazine "Back on the Bank" (Hannibal Bank): "...the Hannibal Region is a true 12-month fishery, due not only to the great habitat, but to Panama's outlawing of gill-netting, purse-seining and longlining (for boats longer than 30 feet) within 200 miles of the coast. The old wooden boat artisanal fishery remains, but it's not considered harmful." After discussing the state of the fishery with most of the lodge owners that fish Hannibal, the strong consensus was "...that it hasn't been better for blue and black marlin as well as yellowfin tuna." So now we have a world-class fishery that is getting even better through regulation and natural dynamics and there MAY be a threat to closing the fishery, probably without public knowledge or input. The situation needs close monitoring and we can't do it up here. I just hope that rational minds prevail in future closed door meetings between government officials and the enviro lobby.

Tony Peña
"The Roving Angler"

**reganp** · Mar-10-2012, 02:55 PM

I hope you are correct, Tony. I remain mildly optimistic in that Panama chose not to develop Coiba- pretty good for a country that seems to love any and all development. So happy to hear BD's endorse regulations that protect the incredible fishery, scenery and ecosystem.

**Panhandle** · Mar-10-2012, 07:04 PM

Interesting! "reganp" - Vessel: none? Location: New York? Job: Teacher? Those 3 factors alone add up to environmental lobbyist type. Tony, I'm with you 100%

**scandalous** · Mar-19-2012, 01:30 PM

Here's a link to an article including pics from the Mission Blue Expedition.........

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/0...n_1354115.html

**mma** · Mar-20-2012, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by scandalous

Here's a link to an article including pics from the Mission Blue Expedition.........

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/0...n_1354115.html

CRAP--read the 3rd "Mission Goal'
about encouraging conservationists, governement, etc, to increase
protection/enforcement around the Coiba marine reserve.

Gee, do you think they will include fisherman in these discussions?

does not smell good at all.

**tap** · Mar-20-2012, 12:04 PM

There is a slow but steady "confiscation" of the oceans from "users" such as fishermen. Just look at Australia's Great Barrier Reef, the U.S. coastlines and Central America Eastern Pacific, etc. These are closures not regulations. The worst part is that the enviros have their act together while the majority of fishermen just want to fish and be left alone. That's one of the tenants of fishing-be left alone, enjoy the outdoors and not have to deal with government politics. Unfortunately that is not going to work against the organized crazies who can make taking a fish sound like homicide to the "indoor public".

Tony Peña
"The Roving Angler"

**Jay Warner** · Mar-20-2012, 05:52 PM

Sad but true and they are breeding like flies.

**jillybird** · Mar-21-2012, 12:33 PM

As someone who has been privileged to fish Coiba, Hannibal, Montuosa, Ladrones, etc., I do want this unbelievable area to be better understood and protected. I have seen longliners and other commericals fishing the bank, and there's only one government boat that patrols the area. So if this project can focus attention on the irreplaceable jewel that this area is, so much the better. Moreover, Panama's current President, Ricardo Martinelli, frequently fishes this area on his yacht, so he is not likely to be bowled over by a bunch of enviros. He recognizes the revenues that are being brought into the country by foreign recreational fishermen enjoying the bountiful catch. And the Billfish Foundation is presently conducting a study to demonstrate how much foreign recreational fisherman are spending in the country. So I don't see Panama as hostile in the least to recreational fishing in this area. Further, the Smithsonian, which is leading this exploration, is not a bunch of crazies like the Pew Environmental Trust. So unlike you guys, I'm not really worried about this, and I can't wait to get back to Panama to go fishing.

**tap** · Mar-21-2012, 04:13 PM

Robert, if you were fishing Coiba, Jicaron and Contreras after 2005 you were fishing illegally. The World Heritage Site and Coiba National Park boundaries include those areas and prohibit fishing within one mile of the islands. We are just trying to make sure that the prohibitions don't spread. Panama already outlaws longlines, purse seines and gillnets within 200 miles of the coast. What is needed more than anything right now is diligent enforcement of commercial regs.

Tony Peña
"The Roving Angler"