MLPA Vote in California

General Questions

MLPA Vote in California

Postby YakMan » Fri Aug 07, 2009 12:11 am

Hi Larry - This is not so much a question but rather a post about legislation that I think all anglers should be aware of. I apologize in advance if this is against your board policies.

A vote by the California Department of Fish and Game Commission to enact 30 Marine Life Protection Act areas between Menocino and Half Moon Bay took place after public meetings on 8/5 and 8/6. The plan adopted shuts off fishing and diving in these newly protected areas completely.

The day before the final vote, DFG Commissioner Cindy Gustafson "resigned" and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the appointment of Donald Benninghoven. The vote was 3-2 and Benninghoven made the deciding vote.

Anglers up and down the state of California as well as DFG Game Wardens Association are in favor of an initiative known as 2XA which provides the best balance between environmental impact and commercial/recreational use of California waters.

This was dirty politics at the last minute. The environmentalist's lobby have a lot more money and are a larger organization. Apparently enough to have a deciding vote put in place the day before the vote. These waters were simply taken from us when a more feasible and economically viable plan was on the table. Under current economic conditions in California, the DFG cannot effectively enforce these new areas according to the Game Wardens Association. The most sickening thing about it is that the deciding vote was made by somebody who had one day of input when the issue has been discussed for years.

The Southern California MLPA vote is coming up quickly. Today's vote is a sign that at least 30 more areas will be shut down in Southern California. Oregon is next on the chopping block.

The common thread is that we all want to protect our oceanic resources. Its how we go about it while allowing everybody to enjoy its natural beauty without destroying its environment and protecting the species which inhabit these waters.

I urge you as an avid fisherman to check into coastal water initiatives in your area. Protect your right to fish while helping preserve the environment for future generations.

A Facebook page has been setup in support of the 2XA MLPA Initiative. Please take a minute to join this cause. We need all the help we can get.
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/328298/ ... m=0b759582

Thanks for your time and attention to these matters.
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YakMan
 
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