Recently, the Bradenton Herald published articles about the Department of Environmental Protection’s proposed rule change regarding fish-cleaning stations that prompted concern from citizens. Those stories contained a great deal of misinformation. In an effort to clear up the fact from fiction, I want to provide the truth about the proposed rule.
In May, DEP began rule development on fish-cleaning tables by holding a public workshop. The workshop resulted in a proposed rule outlining criteria for fish-cleaning stations in, on, or over state-owned submerged land in association with docking structures, fishing piers and bulkheads, whether physically attached to or placed on a structure.
Contrary to the Herald’s articles, by G.B. Knowles, the proposed criteria does not require fish-cleaning stations to be equipped with electric fish-grinding machinery plumbed to local sewage systems. It does stipulate that fish carcasses must be disposed of in a receptacle on the dock, or may be disposed of on uplands. Types of disposal systems and receptacles are not specified in the draft rule and can be as simple as a bag, a trash container, or a hookup to upland disposal. The intent is to keep fish remains out of the water to protect water quality.
The Herald’s coverage failed to convey other essential information crucial to understanding the proposal. The proposed rule only applies to state-owned submerged lands and does not require removing or retrofitting any existing stations.
Work on the proposed rule is still under way and will need to be finalized before being presented to the governor and cabinet for final approval. DEP encourages everyone to read the draft language and comment at: www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wetlands/erp/rules/draft.
Maintaining a healthy marine environment is essential to Florida’s boating and fishing industries. Public rule-making ensures that citizens’ interests are served.
Bob Ballard, Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection Tallahassee
NFL hierarchy incapable of cleaning up league
I just read the Oct. 18 Parade article, “Can NFL chief clean up the game?” Well, until Roger “goody two shoes” Goodell and the rest of the NFL hierarchy pull their heads out of the sand, the overpaid “thugs” who play in the NFL will continue to go about doing as they please.
Not only are they overpaid, but none of them ever thank their lucky stars that they were chosen to play in the NFL. They feel they can run around and act however they please! After they get arrested for numerous crimes committed, they plead guilty but never receive the punishment that a normal person would receive. And, after serving out their punishment, they are welcomed back into the NFL fold with open arms. What kind of message does this send to our impressionable children who idolize players?
I feel that once they decide to step over that legal line, they forfeit their rights to be multimillionaire football players and should be banned for life. The likes of Adam “Pac Man” Jones, Michael Vick, Plexico Burress and Donte Stallworth do not deserve a second chance! Don’t even get me started about steroids and human growth hormone.
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