The US Fish and Wildlife Service has banned Nature Adventures Outfitter from conducting kayak tours within the 64,000 acre waters of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.They apparently have given exclusive rights of commercial exploitation of the area and waters thereof to Coastal Expeditions in 1992. Was there a bidding process for this? I think I remember at the time that the right to ferry passengers to Bulls Island was given to them because they were already in place and operating when the permit idea came about because the dock on the island could not handle multiple vessels; especially at the same time. USC law professor Josh Eagle says the government has the right to regulate the commercial activities in the refuge waters and has given that right to Coastal. Does that mean that fishing guides need to get permission from Coastal and pay them a fee for using the area. Coastal has already taken a stance against Outfitters kayak expeditions in the area and who knows whats next. Josh Eagle says the agency can limit ALL TYPES OF ACTIVITIES in order to preserve the visitor’s experience. Does that mean that they may stop us shrimp baiters from entering the bay if they choose? I sure hope that there will be a public outcry concerning this to help Nature Adventures win the lawsuit and the right to use SC state public waters without restriction.
Wasn’t the refuge created to help endangered shore birds and turtles, coastal flora, and fauna (Land based environmental endeavors)? Definitely not to keep anyone from paddling, fishing and shrimping. Chime in everyone and let me know what you think. Am I crazy?
Just more big government intrusion. Hard to believe that some people actually want more government in their lives.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
I see both sides of the story. I believe there’s merit in controlling the number of people entering an important wildlife refuge. I don’t think it’s fair that one company has had exclusive rights for 22 years though. In my opinion they should let them bid for 5 year contracts or something like that. The land vs water argument their attorney is making won’t get far. The water is just as much a part of the CRNWR as the land. It is a little weird though that any private citizen can go paddle around out there at will though right? Yes, they could restrict/prohibit shrimping if they so choose. That’s not going to just arbitrarily happen though despite the fears of the anti-gubment crowd. If people start leaving shrimping poles, routinely breaking the law, messing with flipper, etc. then maybe. Yes, I shrimp Bulls Bay every year so I have a vested interest in the issue. CRNWR is a beautiful, wild place. I hope it stays that way forever.
Should be all or none in allowing these nature tours through the refuge. The ACE Basin allows many of these companies to do kayak tours through that refuge, so why is Cape Romain that much different. Aside from that, limiting the number of people that can go on or into the refuge does do a better job to conserve the natural aspects and beauty that we all enjoy and want to maintain.
“When men yield up the privilege of thinking, the last shadow of liberty quits the horizon.” - Thomas Paine
Good ole politics, government picks winners and losers. Depends on who has the best lobbiest.
2008 War Eagle 15ft
1995 Johnson 25hp
Whoops, I’ve been dropping photographers off on Bull Island for years. I wonder if I’m allowed to do that?
Charleston City Papers Best Guide of 2014