Council made a wise choice

Ahoy.

The local mountain ski resorts are making snow, the Northwest is getting pounded with rain and we are basking in the sun. This unseasonably warm weather is allowing our boating season to never end, especially the fishing when I see all the recreational boats with poles over the sides dotting the coastline.

Speaking of fish, the Newport Beach City Council made a wise decision to allow the white sea bass grow-out pen to remain in the harbor with a new mooring permit. I think the permit’s special conditions are reasonable, and I think all the boats should abide by many of the conditions.

The conditions include maintenance of the facility with weekly inspections. Now, if only all the boat owners with boats on mooring cans would follow suit. The facility must implement deterrent measures to prevent sea lions from hauling out on the pen’s deck. I think a trained killer whale would work well as a predator for the sea lion and could double as a great tourist attraction.

The one condition that really struck the bell buoy is the requirement to clean up excessive bird droppings on the facility. This condition should be mandated for all mooring permit holders as I know a few boats throughout the harbor that you can locate in the fog by using your nose. Overall this is a great program, not only in our harbor but in a dozen other locations. We will spend millions of dollars to protect the species in the Back Bay, but here is a program directly improving the white sea bass population and the proof is in the results.

Also, the council is another step closer with an ordinance to help protect sea lions and protect boat owners. Sea lions can damage vessels when the critters haul out aboard boats. The hundreds of pounds of blubber can sink boats, crack decks and break swim steps. But wait, there’s more: If you think bird droppings stink then just try to clean up after a sea lion. So, boat owners will be required to implement deterrents to prevent sea lions from hauling out if the animals are targeting their vessels.

The section of the ordinance, however, that actually protects the mammals is where it states, “That it is unlawful to directly feed non-domesticated animals.” People feeding wildlife actually harm the animals. Sea lions in particular are opportunists who look for an easy handout. This teaches the sea lions that food is available inside the harbor and they follow the fishing boats back to their docks. So fishers, please do not throw any fish remains in the harbor.

I am glad that the ordinance stipulates “animals” or those fishing in the harbor would be in violation because fishers need to use bait.

TIP OF THE WEEK

Tip of the week is that you can help protect the sea lions by following the city’s suggestions. Please do not harass or feed the sea lions. If you see someone feeding sea lions, remind them of the many problems that causes, but don’t be confrontational. The city is requesting that boat owners check their vessels at least weekly for signs of sea lion use. I also recommend checking your bilges for water and that your bilge pumps are working.

Do not, and I repeat do not, throw anything in the harbor -- and this is for boaters and landlubbers. Landlubbers affect the water quality by leaving trash that the wind blows into the bay or the high tide picks up. Also, everything that gets washed into a storm drain opening ends up in the bay or ocean. If you would like more information about preventing pollution, call the city’s Harbor Resource Division at (949) 644-3034, or ask one of the helpful Harbor Patrol deputies patrolling our waterways.

Tune in to the No. 1 boating talk radio show in the nation every Saturday at noon. “Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show” is on KCBQ-AM (1170) or online at www.boathouseradio.com.

Safe voyages.

* MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating and harbor columnist. Send him your harbor and marine-related thoughts and story suggestions by e-mail to mike@boathousetv.com or visit www.boathousetv.com.

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