White Marlin dispute creates dilemmas for OC
While the courts are challenged with settling the dispute about whether the winning white marlin – worth $2.8 million – was caught illegally, Ocean City is faced with two dilemmas.
If the Kallianassa team is found guilty of violating the rules, it will have an adverse effect on the annual tournament. The public could consider this, as there have always been infractions of the rules.
On the positive side, close scrutiny of the start time and catch report would make it clear that the rules are closely watched, thereby ensuring everyone has a fair chance.
Should the winning fish be disqualified, it is going to be up to the court as to the distribution of the funds.
LATEST UPDATE:What we know in battle over White Marlin Open winnings
Distributing it among anglers who caught other winning fish would give them rewards they did not earn.
One option would be to use the money enhance the poor facilities of the weigh-in station. This area is entirely too small. All the fishing boats have to back the stern in to off load their catch.
The viewing area for hundreds of spectators is shoulder-to-shoulder standing-room-only.
The fish cleaning area is antiquated and cumbersome for handling large fish.
Perhaps some of the smaller boat slips could be purchased and the weigh-in area be expanded and professionally designed.
Thomas J. Deere
Salisbury