Letters to the Editor

Letter: Manthos ignores essential facts of jet ski ban

Chris Manthos appears to be among those who believe that if they repeatedly and fervently repeat false assertions, they will somehow become the truth. I have no problem with his advocacy on behalf of personal watercraft; as he argues, he’s entirely within his rights to do so. But the “facts” as he presents them are in large part no more than his own opinions and claims that the longtime ban of jet skis in two critical habitat areas within Kachemak Bay is elitist is simply ridiculous and doesn’t reflect reality.

Manthos seems to base his argument that jet skis are environmentally and wildlife friendly on two main points: first, that modern jet skis have “ultra-low emissions”; and second, manatee researchers using personal watercraft, or PWC, in Florida found them to be useful. In response, I’ll note that the Department of Fish and Game’s concerns do not emphasize emissions, but the capability of PWC “to execute rapid changes in speed and direction in nearshore shallow waters, (which) continues to have a high potential to impact habitats, marine organisms, wildlife, and other traditional users groups.” Furthermore, the concern is recreational jet skiers, who use their PWC much differently than marine mammal researchers seeking to avoid disturbances. It’s not a valid comparison.

In short, Manthos’ main arguments are irrelevant to the issue at hand — and he notably fails to address Fish and Game’s primary rationale for prohibiting jet skis in the two critical habitat areas.

As for elitism: Is Manthos suggesting that Fish and Game is elitist? After all, that agency enacted the ban, not some anti-PWC activists. And does he consider the many Alaskans who support the ban elitists? I would argue they’re sensible folks who recognize that some recreational vehicles and activities are inappropriate in specially designated areas, because of the harm they can do.

Manthos also makes another false argument, by asserting that I and other supporters of the ban want to keep him and “fellow Alaskans off the public waters of Kachemak Bay.” No Chris, that’s not the point. I invite you to enjoy Kachemak Bay’s waters; you simply need to choose some other mode of transportation/recreation than jet skis when entering those two critical habitat areas. What could be simpler than that?

The people with the most expertise, who’ve done extensive study of this issue, have determined that PWC are unsuitable in these areas; and a substantial majority of Alaskans who’ve commented on this issue support that decision. To suggest this is an elitist conspiracy hints of paranoia. Or perhaps Manthos is simply in denial.

— Bill Sherwonit

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Anchorage

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Bill Sherwonit

Anchorage nature writer Bill Sherwonit is the author of more than a dozen books, including "Alaska's Bears" and "Animal Stories: Encounters with Alaska's Wildlife."

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