36 



is estimated that there are at least 75 charter boats at principal marinas or 

 fishing ports, along the coast. 



Perhaps another symbol of what two decades of gulf fishing has meant to 

 Louisiana fishermen is the trailer hitch. Twenty years ago, the sight of a trailer 

 hitch on an automobile was a rarity. Today, it is commonplace. Boat sales have 

 increased at a staggering rate during the past twenty years and sales have not 

 ceased to climb. The same is true of larger and more powerful outboard motors. 



About the only thing that has not changed as far as the gulf sport-fishing 

 picture is concerned is the deep-rooted interest in fishing. The days of the sput- 

 tering motor and skiff and the slaughter pole are gone — just as the horse and 

 buggy days are gone. The rods and reels of twenty years ago appear like broom 

 sticks with winchlike reels compared to today's fast-tapered rods and silk-smooth 

 reels Fast fishing cruisers, with outriggers have replaced the hired luggers and 

 modern standards of living have placed a boat within the reach of middle-class 

 families. , , . , , 



There have been many changes in gulf sport-fishing but the best is yet to 



come. 



Going back to the production of oil and gas off the shore of Texas 

 and Louisiana, out of this situation of the production of oil and gas 

 industries in the coast emerged a panel of advisers to the Commandant 

 of the Coast Guard on offshore operations. 



This panel has representation from the offshore industries of oil, 

 gas, sulphur, construction, and crew boat ojoerators. The panel mem- 

 bers meet and work together with the Coast Guard to advise on the off- 

 shore industi-y in the area of the Coast Guard jurisdiction. 



The result has been that problems are handled more equitably and 

 more expeditiously, each party recognizing and respecting the rights 

 and responsibilities of the other. This is a most constructive manner 

 of attacking and resolving unforeseen problems in an emerging situa- 

 tion. 



It could serve as a prime example of the manner in which we can best 

 cope with the multitude of problems facing us as we attempt to manage 

 the coastal zone, with its Pandora's box of complex and interlocking 

 troubles. 



In summary, I feel that : 



1. We are making progress in reducing pollution. 



2. Our main problem of management concerns the irreversible 

 effects of certain essential water management projects. 



3. There is no need for additional agencies or for a superagency. 



4. There are agencies at all echelons which are now ably provid- 

 ing varying degrees of management. 



5. These agencies may need to coordinate among themselves a 

 bit more effectively to capitalize on new data and understanding 

 about the nature of coastal zone problems. 



6. Management of the coastal zone should be based on provid- 

 ing control at the lowest echelon practicable and should include 

 adequate industry participation. 



In conclusion, I feel that we should commend the various elements 

 of the Department of the Interior, the Coast Guard, the Corps of En- 

 gineers, the Coast and Geodetic Survey, and others for the effective 

 work they are doing to enhance and improve our environment. They 

 have been in the vanguard. 



Their tasks have been formidable, and the challenges great. They 

 have met these challenges. The success of their efforts can be seen on 

 every hand. I believe our lives are richer because they have and are 

 performing their jobs so well. 



