I did something today... - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

TCS · 08-21-2009, 01:59 PM

I called Christine Kehoe's office and spoke with a staff member who was very interested in hearing what I had to say. He didn't know anything about MLPA and asked that I send a follow up email so that he could pass of are more detailed request. Here is the email I sent. Hope its factually correct. Feel free to use any or all of it to follow up on your calls.

Hello,

This message is a follow up to my discussion with one of Senator Kehoe’s staff members regarding the Marine Life Protection Act. I have attached a link to that will provide more detailed information on the MLPA process for the South Coast region, which directly impacts Senator Kehoe’s district.

I am a member of a group of kayak fishermen who paddle out from La Jolla Shores to fish off the kelp beds in La Jolla. As a group we have been very actively participating in the MLPA meetings and public comment to try to protect continued access to enjoy this natural resource, but we are very concerned that this process is being funded and dominated by environmental interest groups that do not support a balanced approach to protecting our environment. As a group, kayak fishermen are very supportive of conservation and environmental protection, but we need to ensure that reasonable access and a balanced approach are preserved in this process. >>
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Kayak fishermen would not be the only constituency affected by this. There is a vibrant economy in San Diego revolving around sport fishing, which consists of many small businesses that stand to be devastated by this process. We cannot afford to lose these jobs when our economy is already is such poor condition. One other issue with this process that I would like to point out is that this is an unfunded mandate. The department of fish and game has stated that its budget would need to increase dramatically to enforce these potential closures. The problem with that in our current fiscal environment should be clear to all of us, but is being conveniently ignored by some proponents of this process. >>
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Here is a link to the MLPA site. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/southcoast.asp There are several proposals being considered which are called Lapis 1, Topaz, and external A. There is a process now to try and finalize the map that will be proposed at the conclusion of the process. The proposal Lapis 1 is the most extreme proposal currently, which does not balance the needs of the stakeholders in this process at all. Ocean kayak fishing in particular would essentially cease to exist as a safe and accessible sport in the San Diego area if Lapis 1 were to pass. >>
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To paraphrase my requests in the simplest terms: >>
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Please get involved in the MLPA process and protect the interests of your constituents.>>
Please require that any proposal be funded before it can become policy>>
Please keep La Jolla Open to Kayak Fishing.>>
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I would like to thank Senator Kehoe and her staff in advance for representing her fishing and small business constituencies in this process. >>
>>
Tom Steinhauer>>

08-21-2009, 01:59 PM	#6
TCS Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 478	Email to Senator Kehoe I called Christine Kehoe's office and spoke with a staff member who was very interested in hearing what I had to say. He didn't know anything about MLPA and asked that I send a follow up email so that he could pass of are more detailed request. Here is the email I sent. Hope its factually correct. Feel free to use any or all of it to follow up on your calls. Hello, This message is a follow up to my discussion with one of Senator Kehoe’s staff members regarding the Marine Life Protection Act. I have attached a link to that will provide more detailed information on the MLPA process for the South Coast region, which directly impacts Senator Kehoe’s district. I am a member of a group of kayak fishermen who paddle out from La Jolla Shores to fish off the kelp beds in La Jolla. As a group we have been very actively participating in the MLPA meetings and public comment to try to protect continued access to enjoy this natural resource, but we are very concerned that this process is being funded and dominated by environmental interest groups that do not support a balanced approach to protecting our environment. As a group, kayak fishermen are very supportive of conservation and environmental protection, but we need to ensure that reasonable access and a balanced approach are preserved in this process. >> >> Kayak fishermen would not be the only constituency affected by this. There is a vibrant economy in San Diego revolving around sport fishing, which consists of many small businesses that stand to be devastated by this process. We cannot afford to lose these jobs when our economy is already is such poor condition. One other issue with this process that I would like to point out is that this is an unfunded mandate. The department of fish and game has stated that its budget would need to increase dramatically to enforce these potential closures. The problem with that in our current fiscal environment should be clear to all of us, but is being conveniently ignored by some proponents of this process. >> >> Here is a link to the MLPA site. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/southcoast.asp There are several proposals being considered which are called Lapis 1, Topaz, and external A. There is a process now to try and finalize the map that will be proposed at the conclusion of the process. The proposal Lapis 1 is the most extreme proposal currently, which does not balance the needs of the stakeholders in this process at all. Ocean kayak fishing in particular would essentially cease to exist as a safe and accessible sport in the San Diego area if Lapis 1 were to pass. >> >> To paraphrase my requests in the simplest terms: >> >> Please get involved in the MLPA process and protect the interests of your constituents.>> Please require that any proposal be funded before it can become policy>> Please keep La Jolla Open to Kayak Fishing.>> >> I would like to thank Senator Kehoe and her staff in advance for representing her fishing and small business constituencies in this process. >> >> Tom Steinhauer>>