THE HARBOR COLUMN:An incomplete storm watch

Ahoy.

The TV weather reporters’ adrenalin must be high as they wait for any destruction caused by the approaching rain storm. All kidding aside, these kinds of “Storm Watch 2007” reports do affect the boating community, as people will judge whether to go to the harbor or stay home after seeing the predictions.

Unfortunately, I find the reports lacking information for boaters and most outdoor activities, especially since they do not comment on ocean conditions.

It is good reporting to mention a storm system is approaching with the chance of rain, but it is poor reporting to say the sky is falling at the first sign on the Doppler radar. Many people rely on the weekends for recreational activities and for jobs, and I would like to see what the ocean conditions are for boating, surfing, scuba diving and the like. We live in an area that offers year-round nautical pursuits, and the reports should not speculate on the worst-case scenario for every system.

I predict the storm system will blow though today with 25-knot gusts and up to 6-foot confused seas. The weather, however, will not ruin outdoor activities for this weekend. We will have a chance of showers on Saturday with the swells and wind decreasing each day. Keep in mind that we are sheltered by the Channel Islands from the larger swells coming down from the gulf. Looks like a great weekend for a nice harbor sail or to tuck in a leeward cove on Catalina.

Speaking of jobs, Maine state Sen. Dennis Damon is planning to propose legislation to help sales for Maine’s boat manufacturers by exempting the 5% sales tax. All the way across the country, here’s a political leader who understands the value of the marine industry, and the Democrat wants to protect and increase jobs to try to expand the industry. What an excellent incentive for a potential boat owner to weigh the cost of buying a boat manufactured in his home state or one that was imported from another state or country.

California is losing boat manufacturing jobs to other states that are more business-friendly — not just in state regulatory control, but from taxes. California could halt this slide if it helped offset the costs of maintaining a business. That would, in turn, boost sales and jobs.

We need to take a hard look at the value of boating to Newport Harbor area and how losing another shipyard in Newport will affect the local economy. Remember, boating pumps billions of dollars into our state’s revenue stream and millions into our local economy.

So this weekend get out on the water, especially those of you who fish for lobster, as that season is coming to an end March 21. I have heard good reports of catching the bugs from recreational divers and fishermen along our coast.

To keep yourself out of trouble with the California Department of Fish and Game, you can go to www.dfg.ca.gov. The website has information about regulations, marine life management, licenses and a section with detailed information for a specific region. You can also get the latest news, and there’s a section of frequently asked questions.

If you use hoop nets from a boat, then only five baited hoop nets may used by one person, and no more than 10 baited hoop nets off of any vessel. The daily bag and possession is seven lobsters per person. And here is an important part: Unlike casting lines for fish, lobsters must be kept whole on any boat, and it’s prohibited to bring ashore a lobster in such a condition that its size cannot be determined. If you have any extra spiny critters, you can donate them to my boiling pot of water.

Tune in to my boating radio talk show, “Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show.” It airs on KLAA-AM (830) from noon to 1 p.m. Saturdays. So join me with my motley crew, Chandler Bell and Eric Hovland, as we talk about all things boating.