Editor’s Note: The following letter from sportfishing artist and marine conservationist Guy Harvey — in which he answers critics who recently attacked him for “killing fish” — originally appeared on his “Portraits from the Deep” online blog, at guyharvey.wordpress.com.
Fellow anglers, divers and boaters:
It has come to my attention that that there is some concern, particularly among anglers in the northeast U.S., about my allegiance to the sportfishing community. Please know that first and foremost, I am a lifelong angler who loves nothing more than spending a day on the water in pursuit of big fish. It’s my passion and my profession, and I live it practically every day of the year. I am also a dedicated conservationist: I believe that we must fish responsibly and ensure the health of fish stocks throughout the world.
In an effort to broaden the message of responsible fishing, the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) has supported, collaborated with and partnered with many organizations over the past four years, including the Shark Free Marina Initiative (SFMI). Sharks are in serious trouble in the U.S. and around the world. However, I am not advocating a ban on all...