Sugar Subsidies Damage More than Environment

Economic impact of subsidies felt in U.S. manufacturing job losses.

Add conservative Washington Post columnist George Will to the list of those making complaints about the devastating impact of sugar subsidies. In a Feb. 12 article, Will argues that the commodity’s economic price to U.S. and world economies is too high to continue.

Citing the exodus of high-paying candy manufacturing jobs from Chicago, Will lays partial blame on the inflated price of domestic sugar fueled by protectionist subsidies. By moving operations to Canada and Mexico, companies like Brach’s and Life Savers have access to sugar on the world market at prices up to two-thirds below domestic prices. That reduction saves Life Savers, an American icon for 90 years that now resides in Canada, $10 million annually.

Will further points out that developed nations spend $1 billion a day on agricultural subsidies that prevent underdeveloped nations from competing on the world market and stymie their own self sufficiency. For dessert, consider that Big Sugar is devastating Florida’s Everglades.

Have You Had Your VSC?
Free vessel safety check available through new Coast Guard boating safety campaign.

This is a handy one as summer approaches and more boating days appear on your calendar: You can get a free, bow-to-stern inspection of your boat’s condition and safety equipment by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or United States Power Squadrons.

The acronym-fond federal government calls this a VSC, and it’s a key part of the new You’re In Command (YIC) Coast Guard campaign for safe boating. The checkup will be great way to pinpoint safety problems and violations (got flares?) before you hit the water. According to Coast Guard Captain Scott H. Evans, Office of Boating Safety, many marine insurance providers offer discounts for boats that successfully pass a VSC.

Some other elements of the YIC campaign:
--Wear a life jacket at all times. Evans related that life jackets could have saved the lives of nearly 90 percent of the anglers who drowned in 2002.
--Taking a safe boating course (see Florida Sportsman, “Family Days Afloat,” February 2004).
--Never boat under the influence (BUI). Alcohol was a contributing factor in nearly 40 percent of all boating-related fatalities in 2002. Penalties are high—personal safety risks are even higher.

For more information on boating responsibly, visit www.USCGboating.org, www.VesselSafetyCheck.org or www.AmericasBoatingCourse.com.

Outboard Outtakes
Modern engine reliability and larger hulls allow outboarders to compete with battlewagons.

Everyone knows that mega center consoles such as those featured in the “Stretching it Out” article that ran in the FS November 2003 issue are the vehicles of choice among professional kingfish anglers. Yet, it took most competitors by surprise when Keys angler Billy Thomas employed one—a Yellowfin 36 to be exact with trips hung on the stern—to claim victory in a mackerel tournament series of another type—The Bahamas Wahoo Championship.

Beefy, 60-foot sportfishers habitually dominate this bluewater tournament series.

Besides capturing the Championship, which is comprised of three legs, skipper Thomas and the Rebekka Lynn crew landed the series’ largest fish, a 92 ½-pounder. Thomas credited the triple-outboard powered boat with giving them the ability to run-and-gun fish.

West Marine Delivers on $15,000 Pledge
Corporate retailers and Coastal Conservation Association team up for conservation.

Worldwide marine retailer West Marine made a promise to Coastal Conservation Association-Florida last fall. Corporate headquarters said the store would match dollar-for-dollar private contributions made to CCA during its fall membership drive.

That commitment earned CCA an extra $15,000 to put toward Florida’s pressing marine conservation issues.

CCA Chairman Michael Kennedy applauded the store and its commitment to marine fishery conservation. “This type of program, which matches grassroots member support with corporate business support, is a true win-win situation for marine conservation in Florida.”

Sailfish in only 40 feet!
Sailfish come in tight along Southeast Florida’s Treasure Coast.

Fort Pierce to Jupiter Inlet anglers found lots of sailfish in only 40 feet of water off their coast before a cold front arrived last Tuesday night. Fishermen expect the amazingly close bite to resume shortly, as the weather returns to normal.

“Before the front, if you were fishing a mile and a half off the beach, you were too far out,” says Marty Romstadt, of Finest Kind Marina.

“If I were going, I would start in 70 feet, and work my way slowly offshore, looking for bait pods and decent water. Those fish are between the murky water and clean, and they’ll return as shallow as 40 feet once the weather settles and the water clears,” he said.

To tap into the bite, hunt for greenie pods on the surface, sabiki a few to stock the well and throw a couple out on the flatlines. Best sailfish shots should come around schools of balled bait. Also keep a lookout for sails cutting the surface.