posted 11-29-2010 10:15 AM ET (US)        

1) Invasive species. In the Great Lakes we have long fought the Sea Lamprey and now are facing intrusion by Zebra Mussels and the Asian Carp. What are you concerned about in your area? How do we prevent further problems?

2) Traffic. How crowded are the oceans, lakes, rivers and ramps?

3) Water quality and levels. How is the amount of (or lack of) pollution and/or water levels affecting your boating?

4) Fishing. How is the fishing these days? Are certain species on the rise or decline?

5) Management. How are the institutions in charge handling the current issues?

6) Likes and dislikes. What pleases or displeases you about boating on the waterways?

7) Then and now. How has your boating changed from a decade or decades ago? Please no outboard discussion - that is a horse well beaten.

8) Miscellaneous. Anything pertinent that I missed.

Eric

posted 11-29-2010 02:42 PM ET (US)            

And all other law enforcement on the water also constantly looking for revenue and harrassing boaters.

posted 11-29-2010 03:48 PM ET (US)            

Water traffic has been somewhat reduced overall, and the boating season has become shorter. It used to be Memorial Day to Columbus Day; now nothing gets busy until the 4th of July and there are few boats on the water come Labor Day.

Ethanol has reduced mileage / range and has increased both fuel and maintenance costs.

Pogy (the local name for menhaden, or bunker) population is down dramatically from 15 years ago, but may be staging a comeback. Mackerel population is down, at least inshore.

RHIs are a growth industry - people seem to love them.

Distribution of boat sizes is more bimodal - large sail and motor yachts are more numerous than ever, and there are still plenty of small craft. "Family" boats of 25 to 40 feet, both sail and power, have seen a reduction in numbers.

Not a lot of obvious changes in management, on the water - did need to take a boater safety course to operate in a neighboring state.

GPSs are a tremendous boon to navigation on the Maine Coast, where rocks and unpredicatble, sudden fog are a way of life. GPSs have also allowed people who don't know one end of a boat from another to get out on the water.

* these observations are subjective, your mileage may vary, don't try this at home, etc.

posted 11-29-2010 08:03 PM ET (US)            

Traffic: We have plenty of open water and you are able to get away from people (in the bay will be crowed on the weekends). The problems are the ramps during the summer, everyone and his brother wants to go out. One ramp in South Miami requires two officers there on weekends to direct traffic and stop the fights.

Water: I have been in South Florida since 1957 and yes the water has changed/gotten worse. We are lucky to live close to the gulf stream brings in clear water in the Keys/Miami all the time especially during the summer months.

Fishing: Of course it is not as it use to be, but still not bad. They have put a lot of restrictions on different types of fish and when you can catch them.

Management: The cost of a fishing license/ boat registration keep going up but could just be sign of the times. But I really do not see them spending it on the fish, just more rules and restrictions.

Likes and Dislikes: I can not think of any good things/likes, dislikes new rules (some of them are just stupid), more restrictions, (boat license required for my son for one) When I was young I never needed one and could go all day long and have a good time with no worries.

Then and Now: Before it was a pleasure to go out, now you have to worry about having every license, Know every rule/law, to many no wake zones, pay for parking at the ramp, Its still fun but becoming more of a chore than a day out on the boat...