[Iron Munro]

The fishermen say they don't want whaling to resume and aren't asking to be allowed to hunt the whales. They're also not trying to make it easier for them to catch fish, as they say the law's protections for the whales don't interfere with fishing.

Then why are they pushing for the change?

When there is no other obvious solution to a conundrum it is a safe bet to follow the money.

Somewhere, someone is ready to make money if the ban on taking whales is removed.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Then why are they pushing for the change?

Just because something is endangered once does not mean it should stay on the list through out eternity. More and more animals are being added which give the environmental police more and more jurisdiction.

It is not so bad when you have three species on the list, you can generally avoid where they are with little problem.

When you have 30 on the list it becomes a bit more problematic.

At 300 you might as well hang it up. There is no place left for you.

Species have to come off the list when they are no longer endangered.

When they have reached the status of stable you can allow some harvesting.

When they have become pests you must harvest.

[what's up]

Here's the reason:

Fishermen are concerned the Endangered Species Act is being used as a tool to manage the oceans and this will ultimately affect how fishermen are allowed to fish, Fernandez said.

You Say: "When there is no other obvious solution to a conundrum it is a safe bet to follow the money. Somewhere, someone is ready to make money if the ban on taking whales is removed".

Yes, and right now the money is flowing toward Gov't EPA programs. This is a way to help stop that flow and keep the enviro-police budget down.