I would like to comment on Dr Christopher Tufton's proposed new laws that are about to punish the one set of fisher folk who have been selective with their catch.

I feel the intentions are good, however, the likely result would only be punishment for quite a number of hard-working people. It has been debated and proven in sections of the USA, including Florida, and in the diving world outside of Jamaica, that spear fishermen do not do the damage that they are blamed for. I would really like to see where and how the minister made his decisions, and what were the data used to support this.

night-time spear-fishing

The banning of night-time spear-fishing will only assist the parrot and 'doctor' fish species and the nocturnal lobsters that are easier to hunt at that time. The use of a Hawaiian sling is not the answer to the problem. Divers will only now not be able to defend themselves from sharks when threatened or attacked. The use of a Hawaiian sling is only for waters where the fish is not spooked and just laying around not feeling threatened.

We are still waiting on the revised fishing rules and laws in a printed booklet, a copy of which each person with a licence should have. I can mail you a few from California that would show the previous and the revised laws and the manner in which it is done here.

I would feel better knowing that these hard-working divers are busy harvesting from our waters. They are to be considered fish providers who risk their lives to earn a living to provide for the public, as well as their families. Spear fishermen are not the problem and should not be made to suffer in the search for a solution.

I am, etc.,

WAYNE LAWRENCE

wayneala@aol.com

California