DFG sent me a letter and CD about MPA changes

[PAL]

I have one too. The bottom line is we can all comment again about Southern California's planned MLPA closures.

Note the deadline - we have until Oct 18. Because we have a good amount of time, I'm going to use every bit of it to think about and prep the many comments (not just one - multiple) I'm going to send once I'm good and ready. Fish and Game Commission staff will have to read and consider every one. I wonder whether they'll make their tight deadline?

You'll probably be hearing more about this in the coming week. Like I said, I'm still digesting it. Personalized comments are the best. Sample letters should be available soon. http://keepamericafishing.org/ is a good place to check.

In the meantime, here are a few possible topics:

Maps, so you can write about the mess / injustice / safety issue / your term here that will be created in La Jolla, Laguna, Malibu's Pt Dume, and so on: http://www.wonews.com/Blog.aspx?id=9...exclusive-maps

Corruption: http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...highlight=mlpa

It's illegal: http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...highlight=mlpa

The MLPA process has been plagued by numerous issues which have not been resolved, including:


The lack of a transparent and open decision making process
Inadequate resources for enforcement and biological monitoring
A process that side-steps a science-based fisheries management approach that clearly identifies the threats to California ’s marine environment

Touted as “ecosystem protection,” the MLPA only targets recreational fishing and its significant economic contributions to California’s economy all the while ignoring the litany of significant threats to California’s oceans, such as sewage outfalls and storm water runoff, agricultural chemicals and other pollutants, ocean acidification, ocean side development and once-through cooling.

The Department of Fish and Game estimates that the MPA regulations will cost California ’s taxpayers $40 million annually for enforcement and biological monitoring – resources that the state simply does not have. With a current deficit of $26 billion, California cannot afford to adopt costly measures that will only work to limit recreational fishing access which provides employment for 20,000 Californians.

How You Can Help

Given the numerous serious concerns surrounding the process, please send a message to the California Fish and Game Commission urging them to suspend the South Coast MLPA implementation.