I know this isn't a normal topic here on MFF, but I feel it needs to be brought to everyones attention. I enjoy spearfishing, it is a fun sport to enjoy, HOWEVER, there was a Spear fishing tournament at Box Butte June 2nd, with a special limited harvest on game fish of 2 fish per species, with a scoring of 1 point per fish, 1 point per pound. for everything except European Rudd, which were scored as 5 points per fish, 1 point per pound. which helps with controlling the Rudd. the harvest limit on NON game species was unlimited. All of this I am OK with. what I am NOT Okay with, is seeing speared game fish, like 13" crappie and 10" bluegill in the dumpster after the tournament, and game fish dead, either floating on the surface, washed onto the rocks, or laying at the bottom of the lake.
This tournament was put on by the Rocky Mountain Spearfishing Association. I went to their web site and looked at their ethics page and here is what it says:
"The Rocky Mountain Spearfishing Association abides by the Spearfishing Code of Conduct. We promote ethical spearfishing practices. Here are a few things to do to help the fisheries, the environment, and protect our natural resources.
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Spearfishing Code of Conduct
The Responsible Spearfisher:
1. Values and respects the marine environment and all living things in it.
2. Employs the selectivity of spearfishing to take only what is needed.
3. Uses patience and awareness in targeting fish, and avoids undersized or overfished species to help ensure healthy fish stocks now and into the future.
4. Recognizes the limits of their ability, experience and equipment, only pursuing prey when there is a high likelihood of success.
5. Strives to dispatch their selected fish in a prompt and effective manner.
6. Processes their catch to maintain quality and avoid waste.
7. Undertakes to learn and comply with applicable laws and regulations and follows safe spearfishing practices.
8. Helps others to enjoy and respect the marine environment through exemplary conduct and mentorship.
9. Recognizes the significance of promoting accurate perceptions of spearfishing.
10. Upholds the highly selective, honorable and ethical nature of responsible spearfishing."
http://rockymountainspearfishing.org/rmsa/?q=node/17