The people have spoken with passion and science to keep jet skis out of Kachemak Bay.
If the jet ski ban still gets repealed, the state government will never hear the end of it! They have no money to enforce any regulations. They cut education and ferry services, and now set out to destroy a well-established quiet activity industry, just to cater to a small, conflicting special interest group with no argument beyond demanding access. All people already have access to Kachemak Bay. It is one of the last remaining jet-ski free refuges in Alaskan marine waters. What about people’s right to find quiet in nature, and the right of marine life to be protected from high-speed machines?
Gov. Mike Dunleavy claims Alaska is open for business. “Quiet” is a rare, highly valuable commodity these days; why diminish this long-standing asset?
The bay already struggles. With sea-star wasting disease, murre die-offs, decline of sea lions, belugas, crab, clams, cod and halibut, we must prevent additional stress on the biodiversity of this still amazingly rich ecosystem. Letting jet skis into Kachemak Bay goes against the Department of Fish and Game's own agency’s research and findings, as well as its mission of responsible stewardship.
Dorla Harness
Homer
Have something on your mind? Send to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Letters under 200 words have the best chance of being published. Writers should disclose any personal or professional connections with the subjects of their letters. Letters are edited for accuracy, clarity and length.