Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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The Bumblebee; a California Fish? Under certain circumstances, a California court Has ruled bees can legally be considered fish 'under specific circumstances'. So, does the bumblebee, for instance, a terrestrial invertebrate, Fall within the definition of fish (Endangered Species Act 2062)? The Act itself protects "native species or subspecies Of bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile, or plant." Invertebrates are conspicuously absent from that list of protected species! But there is a lucky loophole for insects, mollusks, and other spineless creatures, Falling under the umbrella term "invertebrate": The actual act defines a "fish" as a "wild fish, mollusk, Crustacean, INVERTEBRATE, amphibian or part, spawn, or ovum therefrom. So, this expansion of the definition of fish to include invertebrates, Allows them for greater protection from the Fish and Game Commission, And just in time for several species of endangered bumblebee! No wonder the 'law' can do almost anything! It is just those germane, ferreted-out words and phrases. Frank Maurer 3 July 2023 1610 Hours.