To the Editor:

The Board of Directors of the New England Aquarium Dive Club (NEADC) wanted to respond to last week’s article regarding the taking of illegal lobsters and the misperception that SCUBA divers commonly take illegal lobsters.

One of the objectives of our club is to “further advance the protection of the aquatic environment.”  Therefore, we fully support regulations surrounding the size and sex of lobsters taken and also the enforcement of these regulations.  These regulations are designed to protect the lobster industry while protecting the environment. 

We have personally experienced the fact that the environmental police do not have the necessary staff to fully enforce these regulations.  Therefore, the club self polices these policies both on land and out at the dive site.  Routinely, at club meetings, members are reminded about how important these regulations are for the lobster industry, the environment and public perception of SCUBA diving. 

When club members dive for lobsters, and the majority do not, there is severe peer pressure not only to meet the letter of the law but also the spirit.  Any lobster that is close to the limit is placed back near its hole – while still in the water.  It is common practice for some of us to have a friendly discussion with divers with a questionable catch.

The NEADC is not alone in its support of these regulations.  Dive clubs and dive shops across Massachusetts have spoken out against this incident.  No Massachusetts diver can claim ignorance of these regulations as they are explained at club meetings and by dive shop owners.

The vast majority of divers enjoy the sport because of their love of the environment.  The more they dive, the more they seek to protect that environment.  The fact that a few divers are willing to break the law and degrade the environment does, unfortunately, stereotype all divers as scofflaws.  

In contrast to the few, the NEADC is open to working with the environmental police and or the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to find new ways to protect our marine environment and, if appropriate, by helping to enforce lobster catching regulations.

Sincerely,

Rick Rosa

President, New England Aquarium Dive Club