OBSERVATIONS FROM GROUND ZERO
Originally published the week of June 4, 2007 in Western Outdoor News
As I am writing this story, still no word from Mexico City about what is happening with the new NOM-029 (Shark Norma) laws that went into effect May 15th. I’ve gone over this the last two columns and how this new law could potentially devastate the Sea of Cortez under the guise of being a pro-environmental law to protect sharks.
When we went to press last week, a delegation representing the numerous interests here in Baja had left for Mexico City in the hopes of eliciting some change or perhaps a moratorium on the new law until further study takes place. So far, no word from the representatives.
Down here at ground zero, several things are happening. Quite a bit of counter-propoganda is starting to show up. Some of you that sent your protest letters through the Seawatch website (www.seawatch.com) are getting back letters from the other side touting the benefits of this law and citing reference after reference of doctors, scientists, and other notables in support of Shark Norma.
Honestly? It looks a lot like “padding” to me and incredibly transparent It’s like when you used to do reports in school and stuck tons of citations on it to make the most trivial point seem more important or just to make your cheesy research “thicker” for the teacher as if weight and size equated to substance.
There have been stories and editorials in the local Mexican papers documenting how important it is to “save the sharks” and this law only has the environment at heart. These articles appear as independent works, but their co-incidence of their timing cannot be dismissed.
I have had several folks write to me about their upcoming trips this season to Baja. They were concerned that perhaps there was a potential for open violence after the first week of the law witnessed some large demonstrations in Cabo San Lucas and a boat was burned in protest.
No worries. Relax The Baja looks just like it did a month ago. There are banners , black ribbons and signs around the Cabo area, but it’s business as usual for the most part. The demonstrations were good and made a point, but folks gotta get back to work. Dad has to go put tortillas on the table so he’s back driving his taxi or working on the docks or cooking sizzling carne asada at the local carrito (food cart). Ma can’t be marching when the kids gotta have clean clothes for school.
And that part kinda worries me. No threat to your fishing vacation or timeshare rental, but it’s exciting when everyone is all fired up. After that, it’s old news and it’s easy for apathy to set in.
Because honestly, (I hate to use the word), but the law is “sinister”. No one will notice the effects overnight. People band together when there’s an immediate palpable threat. It’s not like the marlin will suddenly disappear or that most folks will notice that dorado fishing is tapering off.
It’ll be gradual so the effects won’t be felt right away. By the time folks realize that each year there are more vacant rooms at the resorts or that fewer fishing boats are going out and the bars and restaurants just aren’t as full, it’s too late. It’s too late to hit the brakes when the car is already going over the cliff.
And the fish… The fish are gone. And marlin don’t just grow back because politicians suddenly go slap their foreheads and go “Whoops! My bad. I’m was wrong! Gee sorry!”
And suddenly repealing Shark Norma isn’t going to do diddly. But maybe by then, no one will care anyway. The Baja will be a 1000 mile long stretch of condos and timeshares. And won’t that be something.
Unless something drastic happens, I promise I won’t write about this next week!
That’s my story.
If you ever want to reach me, my e-mail is riplipboy@aol.com.
That's My Story 
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