Thread: The Optics of Inconsiderate Behavior

Rather than continue a discussion of responsible conduct and ethical behavior on the "Reports" thread, I though that I'd bring my commentary here. I think that a responsible fisherman should 1) respect the resource and not take it for granted and 2) consider the optics of what goes on at the pier, looking through the eyes of others.

["O wad some Pow'r the giftie gie us
To see oursels as ithers see us!"] (Robert Burns, "To a Louse")

I consider this to be a good guideline for ethical and responsible conduct, the issue of "How does this look to others?" Does it do pier fishing a service, or a disservice to intentionally inflict harm on birds or dolphins (for instance)? Does it make fishermen look like conservationists when we arbitrarily maim any wildlife? How about when fishermen deck a big ugly or a jack and leave it out in the hot sun to spoil? Besides the utter waste of the resource, there's the optics of inconsiderate behavior. It's damaging to the future of recreational fishing and it diminishes all of us, whether you realize it or not.

You don't have to be a marine biologist to recognize that each creature has a valuable niche in the ecosytem. My point is to think of these things - the value of the creature to the ecosystem, the responsibility that we all have to treasure marine resources and creatures, and the optics of both inconsiderate behavior and the beneficial acts of responsible stewards.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
It's important to understand...you don't have to stop fishing, just stop killing. Keep only what you will eat - and the pier net works both ways, up and down!

You are right, eym, and I agree with your comments. Made a fishing buddy mad Wednesday when I got fed up and chewed his ass out for throwing yellow stripes on the bank, but I don't care if he is mad.

Here's the way that I look at it - Because of our humanity, the onus is "on us" to extend compassion. If you feed birds hardhead catfish, the spines/fins will inject their toxicity into the birds, even is the catfish isn't swallowed. It's cruel and as higher-order thinking humans, we have the capacity to extend compassion to lower order animals. If you've ever been stung by a hardhead catfish, you know what I'm talking about!

Clearly, there's a line here. We know that a fish is going to eventually be eaten alive by another fish! That's no good reason to abuse the species or to take pleasure in torturing/intentionally hurting/maiming animals for our own amusement. The line is intent and purpose. If our purpose is to enjoy nature and all it has to offer, then our intentions are honorable. If our purpose is to entertain ourselves with acts of desecration which involve intentional cruelty and malice, it's not just ethically wrong, it's likely criminal! And the dollar amount that a person spends for his vacation time does not allow him to mistreat animals.

Remember that the topic is "The Optics of Inconsiderate Behavior". And if you ever come across a person who so violates OUR humanity as to intentionally harm sea birds --- Call the park rangers. Let them deal with the blaggard!

Amen Brothers.

Great sermon brother, however, pelicans DO eat catfish! They didn't want anymore that day and moved on! Can I put you down on the "no more sheepies fishing" list with Haywire?

I prefer not to be on any list that has any association with you.

I prefer you not to endanger pelicans with Fishing line. I prefer you not luring them into danger by feeding them (Sam). I prefer that you not be a hypocrite. I'm not on said list by the way.

Originally Posted by bamafig

we were getting blitzed by pelicans at p'cola bridge pier years ago. we started "feeding" them little hardheads and they quickly went away. you could see the spines poking out of their gullet like a collapsed pup tent!

This might explain some things, manners over there are in short supply. ....they learn young and stay with some for years......that's why I love Gulf Shores pier......the people