Maryland Bans Recreational Boating for the Duration

[garyfdl]

Originally Posted by Dsanduril

a non-compassionate, selfish idiot (see, for instance, news stories on Ron Johnson's thoughts).

Presumably you are referring to Sen. Ron Johnson from Wisconsin?

I knew Ron Johnson for years, before he was a politician.
That's a fair and accurate description.

[Dsanduril]

Originally Posted by garyfdl

The "ludicrous nature of exceptions" are all that are preventing a complete economic implosion and all out panic.

Allowing charter fishing head boats with 10 or fewer people on board is saving the economy?

[garyfdl]

Originally Posted by Dsanduril

Allowing charter fishing head boats with 10 or fewer people on board is saving the economy?

No. But the picture is bigger than that (obviously).

Where are they "allowing charter fishing"?

[Montanan]

Originally Posted by Sunsetter

Thank you but even though non-Floridians don't understand this -- Miami-Dade is hardly all of Florida.


Brevard county (space coast) has beaches open but parking closed and NO restrictions on recreational boating or boat ramps -- at least up till today. Not sure about later or tomorrow as our politicians go nuts to one up one another in their closure orders.

The language of the Miami-Dade rule is the rule that Governor DeSantis incorporated into the Florida Statewide Stay Safe At Home emergency order.

Thus the local jurisdictional order of Miami-Dade is now the order for all of Florida.

Yes DeSantis was IMO stupid to write the Statewide emergency order with reference to inclusion of the statute language of Miami-Dade's amended emergency order instead of just including the language in the Governor's order directly. It was like writing a State law regarding speed limit for driving in a school zone and referencing a city's ordinance as being the language. Hey but then one is dealing with Florida, which is often referenced as Floriduh.

[garyfdl]

Originally Posted by Sunsetter

Thank you but even though non-Floridians don't understand this -- Miami-Dade is hardly all of Florida.


Brevard county (space coast) has beaches open but parking closed and NO restrictions on recreational boating or boat ramps -- at least up till today. Not sure about later or tomorrow as our politicians go nuts to one up one another in their closure orders.

Pretty sure I saw your Gov on national news last night saying he was issuing say-at-home for the whole state.

[garyfdl]

Originally Posted by Montanan

Hoping y'all farewell through this adversity and the challenges that it invokes. There will be some forum members that will we will lose.

You as well.

I am sure you are correct about the loss. It will effect everyone to some degree before it's over.

How unfortunate that people can't understand that.

[Montanan]

Just received this note from a friend, passing it forward.

[garyfdl]

Originally Posted by Montanan

Just received this note from a friend, passing it forward.

[Dsanduril]

Originally Posted by garyfdl

No. But the picture is bigger than that (obviously).

Where are they "allowing charter fishing"?

Maryland, the topic of this thread. From the Maryland DNR website where they offer (official) interpretation of the stay-at-home order.

Can charter boats work next month since they technically fall under the recreational quota from a fisheries standpoint?

As part of the food supply chain, charter boats can continue operating but must abide by social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on gatherings of more than 10 people. Charter boats and head boats should NOT have more than 10 individuals on the vessel at any time.

[garyfdl]

Originally Posted by Dsanduril

Maryland, the topic of this thread. From the Maryland DNR website where they offer (official) interpretation of the stay-at-home order.

Then the people of Maryland need to get on their Reps. and Gov.

But as I said, the overall picture is obviously bigger, regardless of the political favors.

[malbert73]

As a Maryland resident, can we keep this thread focused on the OP topic and developments? Hate to have this closed down due to political tangents

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by malbert73

As a Maryland resident, can we keep this thread focused on the OP topic and developments? Hate to have this closed down due to political tangents

Exactly. I was hoping to hear about the rules in other states and how we think they apply.

Also what we'll do when the "duration" ends. Based on this projections (and who can tell) we should be back down to where we were a few days ago by about June 1.https://covid19.healthdata.org/proje...ZILBFfHdF8imv8


I chose not to be offended by the charter boat exclusion, because these guys are facing really hard times. I'm not sayin' I agree with it 100%, I'm sayin' I'm not going to whine about it. There are many flaws in government actions. I'm also guessing a LOT of people are yelling at them and pressuring them on both sides and I'm glad to stay out of that. Once upon a time a regulator (no agency names--I was lobbying for industry at the time) told me that both sides were mad at them, so they figure they got it about right. At the end of a hard day, I had to laugh with him about that.

[Montanan]

https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2020/0...at-home-order/

Frequently Asked Questions about Governor Hogan’s Stay at Home Order
March 31, 2020
Governor Hogan has issued a Stay at Home Order in response to the global COVID-19 public health crisis. While there are certain exceptions for essential functions, the primary intent of the order is for people to stay at home in order to limit the spread of the virus.

With that in mind, here is some additional guidance in response to questions the department has received. This is current guidance and subject to change throughout the duration of the public health emergency.

Can I go hunting?

Limited hunting is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

Can I go fishing?

Limited fishing is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

Can I go boating?

Recreational boating is prohibited until the governor lifts the executive order or until the State of Emergency has ended. However, if an individual is boating to seek food for them or their family, boating is permitted. Boats used to transport essential employees or goods as defined in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce are also permitted.

Does kayaking or paddle boarding count as recreational boating?

Since kayaking and paddle boarding are a form of exercise, they are permitted under the executive order. Guidance on social distancing and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

I live on my sailboat – can I still be in my boat slip or moored out?

If your boat serves as your residence, you can remain on the vessel.

Can I go to a state park?

Hiking, biking, and walking are allowed under the executive order but social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed. Most state parks are open but some have been closed or have restricted areas. Please choose a park nearest your home to limit travel and be sure to check our website before you leave for the park and read our guidelines for social distancing in state parks. Natural Resources Police and Maryland Park Service rangers are authorized to enforce the governor’s executive order and will close areas and disperse crowds as necessary.

Can you fish in a state park?

Limited fishing is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

Can you fish/crab from a boat if it is for sustenance?

Limited recreational fishing and crabbing is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

Can charter boats work next month since they technically fall under the recreational quota from a fisheries standpoint?

As part of the food supply chain, charter boats can continue operating but must abide by social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on gatherings of more than 10 people. Charter boats and head boats should NOT have more than 10 individuals on the vessel at any time.

Wildlife offices are closed, so hunters cannot get a permit to hunt on managed lands. Are managed lands closed to hunting?

Limited hunting is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed. Hiking, biking and walking are also allowed. Please check the department’s website for the most recent information on closures before visiting DNR’s managed lands.

Are marinas an essential business now that boating is not allowed?

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) defines certain marine trades and marine services as essential. Additionally, the interpretive guidance that accompanied Executive Order 20-03-23-01 includes the following language:

“Companies engaged in the … distribution, and sale of oil, gas, and propane products” (section 2.g.ii) and “companies that supply parts, or provide maintenance and repair services for transportation assets and infrastructure including… marine vessels” (section 2.m.xii).

Can commercial fishing license holders from out of state come to Maryland to fish from their Maryland docked vessels?

Anyone fishing in Maryland must have the proper licenses and permits. The CDC has issued guidance on domestic travel. According to the CDC, “The CDC urges residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days effective immediately. This Domestic Travel Advisory does not apply to employees of critical infrastructure industries, including but not limited to trucking, public health professionals, financial services, and food supply.”

Can out of state vessels land commercial catch in Maryland?

Anyone fishing in Maryland must have the proper licenses and permits. The CDC has issued guidance on domestic travel. According to the CDC, “The CDC urges residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days effective immediately. This Domestic Travel Advisory does not apply to employees of critical infrastructure industries, including but not limited to trucking, public health professionals, financial services, and food supply.”

[waterman46]

The ban on recreational boating is not needed at all. Simply limiting the POB to one household is all that is needed. When I go to my marina I see almost nobody in the parking lot and nobody else on the docks, and that was before the virus. But then sailing or boating is not an essential activity and I guess we all must make our sacrifices. But a paddle board for exersize is allowed. What if I rig a sail on it, now is that suddenly not exersize but becomes recreational boating?
Allowing parties of 10 unrelated persons to occupy a 30 ft charter boat together all day to go fishing for fun seems to be allowed. INSANE.

[Dsanduril]

Originally Posted by thinwater

I chose not to be offended by the charter boat exclusion, because these guys are facing really hard times. I'm not sayin' I agree with it 100%, I'm sayin' I'm not going to whine about it.

I'll be happy to whine about it. Out of all the exceptions out there this has to be the one that breaks the most basic rules about quarantine. A commercial fisherman, always working with the same crew, sure. That expands the risk pool, but the risk pool can (as long as the crew and buyers don't change) be managed and known. Same with many other "essential" jobs.

Bringing together a group of strangers on a head boat, having them interact with the crew, who then interact with next group of strangers on the next charter, that's just about the most asinine definition of isolation I've heard - it is, in fact, the description of an almost perfect way to spread a disease without control.

If we believe that isolation is useful and the "right" thing to do then not calling out such downright dangerous exclusions to the isolation order is an abrogation of our duty.