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TIDINGS
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES
September, 1999
VOLUME IV
ISSUE IX
PROGRESS ON THE FISHING ISSUE
Under the leadership of Parks and Recreation Director Tony Acosta, the City is making progress on a new fishing program. As will be drafted for public comment, the main points are likely to include: · An experimental fish hatchery to restore native steelhead; · Resumption of Fishing in the City events and the youth rod lending program; · The requirement of a daily permit to fish; · A restriction to fishing from boats only in the Lake until a new pier can be built near the inlet; · Much better enforcement of existing fishing (and other) regulations - especially along the Estuary Channel; · University expertise to comment on natural resource management issues. See the 8/24 Montclarion for details.
We are glad that the City has realized that banning fishing is not the solution to bird entanglement (which is already illegal). We are glad that a century old tradition will be allowed to continue, and that there is now a focus on the real source of the problem.
ESTUARY CHANNEL I PARK - PROBLEMS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
State Game Warden Sheree Christensen attended the meeting of the Institute Board of Directors in August, and had some eye opening things to say about past events along Estuary Park Channel. She reported arrests of people for removing shellfish for commercial sale in Chinatown, and the fact that these shellfish were badly contaminated with hepatitis and other pathogens. She reported that a Sheriffs deputy was shot there a few years ago, and most significantly, she reported that the run of striped bass this year has been the largest in more than a decade. That explains the increase in fishing (and illegal activities as described in last month's Tidings) this spring at the 7th Street pump station and downstream. On a recent walk along the Channel with Tribune editor Peggy Stinnett, the evidence of illegal and careless fishing was evident (see photo on other side). Sheree also described the "market fishing" attitude for fish, shellfish and even birds that is prevalent at the Channel. Deliberate fishing for birds has been described, and this (not legal fishing in Lake Merritt) is the likely source of the bird entanglement problem. Ms. Christensen graciously offered to provide a seminar to City Park Rangers on resource management regulations. something we hope the City Police Department will jump at.
Opportunities
The schools of fighting striped bass knocking at the City's door (and the County's pump station) also offer opportunities. Opportunities to enhance and manage this natural resource for tourism; opportunities to bring in legal fisherman whose presence will deter illegal activities; and opportunities for bird lovers and fisherman to join together in promoting the natural resources of Oakland. Why travel for hours to fish in a far away place, or to view migratory birds? Its all right here in downtown Oakland. Why not promote it?
FOUNTAIN NEWS
Several weeks ago the Bandstand aeration fountain motor quit due to what the manufacturer called a design flaw. So upset was the company that provided this fountain that they are not only going to provide a new motor, they are going come out personally from Phoenix to re-install it! This should occur in early September.
As this is being written, the Embarcadero aeration fountain is being upgraded with a new knife blade impeller (more slicing, less sticking); and a longer electrical cord (to get it in deeper water and reduce spray). The intake screen (which has been getting clogged with barnacles now that the fresh water inflow has diminished) will also be removed - at least until the urban runoff season. The fountain should be up and aerating again during the last week of August.
We have proposed to replace the Glen Echo fountain with a three horsepower unit like the one at the Embarcadero. We are awaiting word from the City on this proposal, which should help improve the "impaired due to low oxygen" designation the Lake received from EPA.
INSTITUTE CONTRACT
On August 23rd we received the signed contract from the City of Oakland to continue removing trash from the Lake, to conduct education about urban runoff and to promote enhancement of Lake Merritt. Our contract runs until May 31, 2000. Volunteers: This is your cue. It's everyone's Lake and we have been empowered to keep it clean, enhance it, and make it a centerpiece of Oakland. Let's get to work.
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