Group Will Work to Preserve State’s Remaining Wetlands

A long overdue but important step in the preservation of California’s remaining wetlands was taken early this month by the state Fish and Game Commission.

Wetlands, or tidal and inland marshes, are nurseries for many ocean and freshwater fish and refuges for migrating fowl. Development and pollution of vital wetlands, particularly along the California coast, have reduced their acreage by about 90%.

The commission’s policy strongly discourages development or conversion that would result in a reduction of wetlands’ acreage or habitat. As an initial step, the new wetlands’ resources policy is general and nonregulatory.

To understand the extent of the wetlands’ problems and to study policy implementation, commissioners voted to establish a working group of various government representatives, conservation and sportsmen organizations and land developers.

The group will make recommendations concerning long-range planning to enhance, protect and expand wetlands. It will be charged with mobilizing local governmental and private interests. It will establish legislation, regulation and funding support to accomplish wetlands’ enhancement goals.

The group will present its recommendations to the commission by June 30.

Sailing Notes

The theft of boats and marine equipment has become an increasingly serious problem in recent years. Estimates of the dollar value stolen annually vary widely, but there seems to be general agreement that a loss of $60 million annually nationwide is a conservative figure. In an effort to be more responsive to stolen boat reports, the Coast Guard has initiated a policy of receiving the reports and placing the stolen boat on an alert list for field units to utilize while on patrol. Normally, stolen boats come under local and state jurisdiction and should also be reported to appropriate authorities. Boat theft victims should also contact the Eleventh Coast Guard District, Long Beach, at (213) 590-2225.

The 31st annual Southern California Boat Show will draw more than 800 recreational craft to the Los Angeles Convention Center Jan. 30-Feb. 8. The show fleet range from 8-foot outboard dinghies to 60-foot luxury craft.

The sixth annual National Coalition for Marine Conservation’s North versus South Billfish Tournament has been set for Aug. 29.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Tustin Flotilla No. 15-4 will conduct its spring boating and seamanship classes beginning Feb. 3 at Tustin High School. Classes will be 7-10 p.m. in room 232. It is a 13-week course. Instruction is free, with a nominal charge for materials. Certificates will be awarded. For more information, call Calvin Rohrs at 544-8980.

Steve and Sharon Ticehurst are the third lecturers on Jan. 31 in Orange Coast College’s Sailing Adventure Series at the the Robert B. Moore Theatre. Their lecture, “Adventurous Voyage on a Shoestring�, begins at 8 p.m. The Tices’ voyaging was done in Mexico and Panama.