I know this is quite common and the local fishermen have to make a living, but to have one of these anchors drop in within 10 feet of you makes quite an impression. My first thought was to use my sea snips to cut the ratty line. My second thought was 'why make another local mad at divers'? This was at Something Special on May 8th. The boat was fishing right over the reef at about 80 foot max.

I was shocked to see a fisherman night fishing right between 2 moored resort boats on our last trip. These boats are moored well inside (towards shore) of the reef wall. When I asked staff about it the next day, the response was "take a picture next time you see it".

I don't think he dropped anchor, looked like he tied off to the resort boat, but the fishing line certainly would pose a threat to night divers in the area. Quite close to the ground line out and back.

A friend found this south of the fishing hut. Actually quite the way to find a Broadband eel. Not too common.

Its safe to watch. No viruses or pop-ups. Strictly youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY5YDMrCzLM

BTW, the eel was saved.

(Message edited by down_deep on May 20, 2010)

Grunt as madding as that is, I do believe that it is legal. I have found a few rock anchors with ratty lines. The only bright side is a rock is better than a hook anchor.

I should have added that the large piece of coral wrapped with nylon line was being used as an anchor by a local fisherman.
I have also seen cement blocks used as anchors.
Locals will always fish, as they always have.
The reef is still harmed.

I have a sharp knife. Nuf said

Jerry has the right idea. Grunt did not IMHO

Jerry et al.
Tell us your idea of what every diver should always do in this situation.
A diver (me) found an anchor being used by a local fisherman.
The pic I posted showed just that.
Is the correct procedure to every time cut the line attached to said anchor?
Is this something SINTAPA recommends?
Always learning....

Folks..we are guests of the island. Lets not forget that. If the local fisherman is not breaking any laws (and to my knowledge they are allowed to use the rocks posted in Grunt's pic) I for one don't think it to be prudent to go around cutting his "anchor line" under the guise of protecting the reef.
God only knows we divers do our share of damage to the reef (and I'm quite sure that everyone at one time or another has seen it).

Folks, cutting the fishermen's lines will only cause an uproar against visiting divers here. This has come up time and time again in the past. As Vince says, remember you are a guest of these very people, and "cutting their lines" is not a very friendly action against a host. Also, I believe that many visiting divers go to these very fishermen's homes to purchase fish to cook. Let them make their living. I believe the law is that boats under 10 feet/3 meters MAY use a stone anchor.

If you think you see something that you think is illegal, inquire with either the Marine Park or your dive facility before taking any actions.

My two cents after nearly 20 years here.

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quote:

I for one don't think it to be prudent to go around cutting his "anchor line" under the guise of protecting the reef.

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"Also, I believe that many visiting divers go to these very fishermen's homes to purchase fish to cook"

True statement. We buy Mahi or Wahoo to grill. Now, those arent typically reef fish so I think theres a difference between the guys fishing for Mahi and someone settled over the reef with a stone anchor snagging yellowtails and grouper.

One other perspective to consider is safety. Hitting a diver in the head with a stone anchor is potentially lethal. The fisherman know where the divers are - bubbles on the surface make that obvious. If I happen to come across an anchor from a boat-fisherman, I'll leave it alone. I might not like it, but he is not breaking any law. But if he drops it "within 10 feet" of me (as Grunt described), he has put my life in peril and he is going to lose that anchor.

I used to turn upright freshly broken corals on nearly every dive. I was amazed and horrified that so many local fishermen casually drop rocks all along the reef every day. The fish for a while, pull up the rock, drift down the reef, drop the rock again. Bang, bang, and bang.

My first dive in Bonaire, I was sorely disappointed in the condition of the reef. Owell. Not good to expect too much.

Dear John, the fishermen have no idea where you are. By the time your bubbles are at the surface, they're just about invisible. The fishermen don't live in big homes or drive nice cars, etc. They're actually gathering their food. Drive back up in the hills of Bonaire, see how the other half lives. It's quite a contrast to the wealth of the coastline resorts. Bonaire is actually a poor island.

I don't care if it's legal, I wont just swim by a rock anchor if I see one.

dont blame you.