F&G Commission betrays anglers; South Coast MLPA Act decision is biased
[Editor's Note: This article applies to northern California fishing news in that the North Coast MLPA Process is currently underway. This is just the latest in series of decisions made by the Fish & Game Commission that show disregard for the input of local stakeholders. Be on guard...your favorite north coast fishing spot is in jeopardy! -- To help contact the Humbolt Area Saltwater Anglers via the Humboldt Tuna Club website: www.humboldttuna.com]
For additional information regarding the MLPA process, log on to www.keepamericafishing.org
March 4 -- Yesterday, as part of the South Coast region's Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) process, the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC) voted to only keep in consideration the alternative created by the Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF). The Commission's action effectively terminates consideration of the three proposals created by the citizens selected to participate in the process. This includes Proposal 2, which is supported by the Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO) and the recreational fishing and boating community in Southern California. Bob Fletcher, senior advisor for the Sportfishing Association of California (SAC) and a Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO) member, commented, "To single out the BRTF's proposal and not give the stakeholder proposals an opportunity for review is both an outrage and a decision with consequences we will all regret. The March 3 vote demonstrates a blatant disregard for promises and commitments for a fair and open process, and is yet another biased decision that has plagued this process." Steve Fukuto, president of United Anglers of Southern California and PSO member, said, "The action is in direct contradiction to previous statements made by commission members and the process employed in the North Central Coast. To not evaluate all four alternatives disenfranchises the regional stakeholders and compounds the problems and suspicions of this flawed process." Patty Doerr, Ocean Resource Policy Director for the American Sportfishing Association, a PSO member, echoed Fletcher's remarks saying, "If the Department of Fish and Game does not intend to prepare proposed regulations for each of the alternatives for Fish and Game Commission consideration, in effect a 'final decision' has already been made, which is contrary to the Commission's own agenda and a betrayal to everyone involved in this process. This is just another example of the ever-changing rules." Doerr continued, "If the state of California doesn't have the financial resources to conduct a fair process, then the entire process should be on hold until it can." The PSO will continue to represent the interests of conservation and recreational anglers and boaters during this process by supporting Proposal 2. Proposal 2 is the most balanced and resonable approach to protecting our valuable ocean resources and habitat with the least amount of negative economic impact to communities, businesses and individuals.
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