Laserfiche WebLink
<br />amount that are going out and, yet, people are still using manta rays \[unclear\] and <br />there’s like a variety of people that are upset from where, you know, how can we at <br />GMAC help them regulate that as well as, just too many people out there and it causes <br />stress on the manta rays as well as just serving all the other ocean life – having too <br />many people in the water and then the parking situation down there. <br /> <br />AA: OK. Thanks. Ah, Sylvia, a question for you cause, would that consist of within GMAC <br />guidelines \[unclear\] this subject within the manta ray-tourist issue? <br /> <br />SW: So GMAC can investigate the rules and regulations that are currently set for manta ray <br />tours and if upon investigating the rules and regulations that are currently in place <br />GMAC determines that there is a suggested change – then GMAC can advise County <br />Council or the respective federal, state or county agency regarding a suggested rule <br />change that may provide a better impact. But there’s nothing that GMAC can specifically <br />change rules on, but you can… <br /> <br />AA: No, and that’s not kinda like what I’m thinking. I’m just thinking that’s kinda like out of <br />GMAC’s guidelines because that’s not considered fishing, really, unless… <br /> <br />SW: It’s talking about conservation of aquatic life so that does fall under the “may” portion <br />within the charter. Just a second I can pull it up for you. It says that under the Charter 6- <br />9.3 it said the Commission may also advise county, state and federal agencies on any <br />matter affecting the taking and conservation of aquatic life and wildlife, including <br />proposed rules and shall communicate its findings and recommendations to these <br />agencies. So, if the point is going toward the conservation of aquatic life, GMAC can <br />investigate this particular issue to otherwise inform the county, state or federal agencies <br />that are otherwise impacting this particular issue as to any other suggested changes in <br />rules, regulations and policies. <br /> <br />AA: OK. I guess we’ll look into it, Abraham – District 5. I guess we’ll look into it a little bit <br />more then. <br /> <br />RD: Chair, a comment… <br /> <br />AA: Yeah, go ahead Rob… <br /> <br />RD: Yeah, in the definition of a “take” it doesn’t mean you have to harvest it. Essentially, <br />that’s a wildlife term for influencing the behavior of an animal. So, a “take” could be like <br />– a “taking” is called an interference – so if a boat comes across a dolphin swim path <br />that could be considered a “take.” So, interfering with the manta rays is a “taking” which <br />would allow us to look into this. <br /> <br />4 <br /> <br /> <br />