Few people along the Mendocino coast advocate and promote the conservation of our ocean shores more than Mike Henderson of Anchor Bay. As a volunteer for the Marine Mammal Center, owner of Anchor Bay Campground, publisher of The Beachcomber Quarterly, and member of the Department's Abalone Ad Hoc Committee, he has developed a close relationship with the ocean, its life, and its patrons.
I first met Mike three years ago when he came up to Fort Bragg to capture an ailing elephant seal that had taken up residence on the Noyo Harbor District launch ramp. We had been watching this particular animal for three days and had called Mike several times with updates of its condition. After a period of time the animal had become a point of local interest and had generated its own spectators. Mike arrived with his truck loaded with a large cage and other gear.Before assisting him in the difficult task of convincing a large and unhappy mammal to get into the cage under her own power, we were given detailed and useful instructions and contingencies regarding possible behavior. Mike did a fantastic job of managing the event, including crowd control for the safety of everyone there.
Mike is also a defender of both sport and commercial fishermen. By explaining the activities of urchin divers, charter boat operators and long-line fishermen to vacationing sportfishers who use Anchor Bay beaches for access, he has relieved suspicions and reduced grumbling. He also has a strong voice in fishers knowing and obeying regulations and also in having fun. He also involves people in a little friendly fishing competition by measuring many of the larger fish landed throughout the summer season in Anchor Bay.
With the changing nature of the sport fishery along our coast we have seen Mike Henderson work to support safety of sportsmen and the conservation of our nearshore stocks. He has been a presenter for United Anglers. He has also made contacts with local government representatives and written letters to state government officials voicing his concerns. We applaud the efforts of Mike Henderson and other marine sport resource stakeholders to initiate communication of ideas and for making their opinions known. - WV