PERSPECTIVE UPDATE

Published: Sep 07, 2010 MLPA OCEAN CLOSURE FORCES SMEAR SHIMANO

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WON PERSPECTIVE UPDATE Reader Report By Bernard Kim By Paul Lebowitz/WON Staff Writer True believers, the anti-fishing elements who seized undue control over the MLPA reserve planning process, will stoop lower than a dog’s knees to achieve their aims. Case in point, the internet based Shame on Shimano campaign. This outright propaganda claims Shimano is engaged in a war on the California coast. Never mind that the company relies on abundant fisheries resources to market their rods and reels, and promotes conservation measures such as catch and release. Why? Shimano makes quality fishing gear. They also manufacture top notch bicycle components, things such as pedals, wheels, brakes and gears.  The people behind the Shimano smear, which reportedly came into existence on the DC based Natural Resources Defense Council website, want to strike at Shimano’s bottom line. Urging a boycott, they’re sending former state assemblyman Lloyd Levine on a tour of Orange County bike shops. Says Levine, “We’re not buying it.” Shimano’s crime? The company, like many other tackle manufacturers, contributed money to the California recreational fishing community during the contentious MLPA process, joining local organizations such as United Anglers of Southern California and the Sportfishing Association of California. Throughout, recreational fishing interests from the grassroots up called for true ocean protection that addresses water quality and urban impacts, and outcomes based on sound and independent science – not out of control and overly emotional anti-fishing ideology. That’s what the other side calls a war on the California coast.   The hypocrisy here is staggering. The other side has poured untold millions into paying for and fundamentally influencing most of the state’s MLPA planning costs. Its ok for them, but not for Shimano. The charges levied against Shimano and by extension the entire California recreational fishing community are ridiculous distortions. Get a load of this. Shame on Shimano cites the near extinction of white abalone and the disappearance of kelp beds to ‘prove’ their points. Those dastardly hook and line guys! This campaign is banking on deceiving a gullible public who will swallow any environmental feel-good message, however dubious or dishonest. It’s a real problem too, one aimed squarely at everyone who enjoys fishing. We aren’t without clout. Sportfishing contributes $2.2 billion to California’s economy every year, and provides the funding for natural resources management via license sales and excise taxes earmarked for sportfish restoration. The other side? They spend their cash to buy the political process and fire nasty allegations at those who oppose their all-out anti-fishing agenda.   Spread the truth about this dishonest smear campaign. If the Shimano bike parts boycott succeeds, these anti-fishing extremists will find another target. Maybe the local landing? The corner tackle shop? Shameful lies must not go unopposed.