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Frank Rue Commissioner
Press Release: April 4, 2001
Regulations Ban Jet Skis to Protect Critical Habitat Area and State Park
Regulations filed yesterday by the Department of Fish & Game and the Department of Natural Resources will prohibit the use of jet skis in the Kachemak Bay Critical Habitat Area and Kachemak Bay State Park. The protective regulations become effective on May 3, 2001.
The statutory purpose of a designated critical habitat is "to protect and preserve habitat areas especially crucial to the perpetuation of fish and wildlife, and to restrict all other uses."
"The Kachemak Bay Critical Habitat Area is a highly productive marine ecosystem supporting a rich population of whales, seals, otters and other small mammals, shore birds, ducks and waterfowl enjoyed by a broad range of recreational users," said Frank Rue, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. "Restrictions minimizing harmful disturbances in this critical habitat area is part of responsible management, and consistent with the statutory mandate."
Numerous complaints regarding jet skis were received by both departments in 1999 from Kachemak Bay residents. "We heard their concerns and responded," said Marty Rutherford, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources.
The complaints led to an extensive public process involving three public meetings and two formal public hearing on the proposed regulations. Petitions both supporting and opposing the regulations were received along with comments from 1,850 individuals and organizations. Approximately 70 % of the public testimony received supported a total ban on jet ski use within the Kachemak Bay Critical Habitat Area. In addition, the Homer City Council passed a resolution requesting that the State of Alaska consider prohibition or restriction on the use of jet skis in Kachemak Bay.
Jet skis are fundamentally different than conventional motorboats, which are still allowed and are consistent with other uses of the critical habitat area and state park. An extensive review of the scientific literature regarding impacts of jet skis on wildlife has revealed that the characteristics of jet ski use make these vessels more disruptive to wildlife than other types of watercraft. Scientific observations of jet skis cite high noise levels, high speeds, erratic movements, activity in shallow water, and the tendency to be operated in groups.
These vessels are marketed and used as "thrill craft" to a far greater degree than conventional motorboats. This contrasts with use of conventional motorized vessels in Kachemak Bay, which are generally used as a means of transportation to fish, hunt, or view wildlife.
Measures were considered that were less restrictive than a total prohibition of jet skis, but these were rejected because any continued use of jet skies in the park or critical habitat area would negatively impact wildlife populations and other uses of the area.
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