Quote:
Originally Posted by Smalls
Research is only part of it. Guys like MG are valuable to the protection of our resources, but they can't do it all. MG is a great advocate for the resource as well, and does more than just research, but he can't do it alone.
Anyone that has an interest in protecting the resource should step up and do something.
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Thanks Smalls. For CCA members, the most valuable thing you could do is most likely getting CCA on board working for conservation and restoration of oyster reefs in Big Lake. Getting behind efforts to reduce the coupling of salt water between the channel and main lake would also aid efforts at restoring oysters in the southern end of the lake. Currently, salinity levels stress the oysters and make them more susceptible to predation and disease. CCA bought some goodwill with LDWF by supporting the license fee increase. It would be great to see them use that goodwill to benefit the ecosystem rather than pushing for lower limits on trout, redfish, or flounder.
If one happens to be on good terms with legislators, this is an issue that can be broached with them as well. I also expect there will be a meeting late in 2015 where the LWC sets the 2016 rules and restrictions for oyster harvest in Big Lake. This is not a meeting to pound your fist and demand dredging be stopped, but a calm an informed voice explaining your concerns for the long term health of the estuary would help balance the voices of those who profit from overuse of the oyster resource. The oyster lobby has a lot of clout and momentum, but a steady voice over time should change the LWC's view of oysters from a resource to be exploited to a keystone species for estuary health and fisheries production.