Federal agents from the last week cited jet ski riders working on the film Of Men and Mavericks in Pillar Point Harbor, California, in the latest confrontation between surfers and wildlife officials at the world-famous big-wave surf break. The break is located in the Gulf of Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, one of 13 natural marine locations set aside for habitat conservation. Surfers say that jet skis are the only way ensure safe conditions at Mavericks. “We’ve been having friends of ours pass away out there,” said Mavericks regular Adam Replogle. “The state or the feds aren’t going to put anyone out there to rescue you, so we’ve got to do what we can.” NOAA fined the jet ski riders $500 and the penalty could rise to as much as if the citation is contested. Wildlife advocates maintain that personal watercraft churn up the marine habitat, pollute water, and endanger wildlife. Special dispensation has been made for the Mavericks Surf Contest.
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