CONTACT: Bob Huffaker
334-242-3673
Due to concerns expressed by anglers in Alabama with the idle speed zone provision passed by the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board, Conservation Commissioner M. Barnett Lawley said the proposed regulation will not be enacted until those concerns are addressed.
“In no way was this proposal by the Board designed to penalize or encumber the fishermen of Alabama in any way,” Lawley said. “It’s was strictly a safety measure designed to keep boat wakes from harming boaters, anglers and property owners along our abundant waterways.”
The proposed regulation would establish idle speed-only zones within 100 feet of any vessel which is moored, anchored, or adrift outside normal traffic channels, or any wharf, dock, pier, piling, bridge structure or abutment, person in the water, or shoreline adjacent to a full-time or part-time residence, public park, public beach, public swimming area, marina, restaurant, or other public use area.
Lawley said Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials are meeting with anglers to determine how to address the safety issues without causing hardships to the fishermen and boaters.
“If we cannot amend it to their satisfaction, then it will go no further,” Lawley said.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com.
