Posted by Mary on July 27, 2001 at 23:00:59:

In Reply to: Re: Report on MLPA meeting in Orange County posted by Dan on July 27, 2001 at
08:48:53:

I definitely agree with you, Dan.

NOW IS THE TIME FOR FISHERMEN AND WOMEN TO UNITE AND TAKE THIS OUT OF THE HANDS OF PETA-MINDED PEOPLE and POLITICIANS.

I think we have an unusual opportunity that we ALL should make use of. The MLPA has a lot of people hopping mad. That's a lot of good energy we can harness to make this law toast. Not to
mention the nipping in the bud of any new legislation that environmentalists throw our way.
ANY YOU CAN BE SURE THERE WILL BE MORE!

But I think we should unite with all anglers. I spoke today with Frank Selby who owns a fly fishing shop in Costa Mesa. I met him last at last night's MLPA meeting. He feels we need to
unite and stay united. He said he has watched antifishing interests work to divide fishermen so they could advance their own agenda. And it worked.

He also said that they (meaning the state government) had the Aliso pier removed (it's a pier that was located between Laguna Beach and Dana Point) because it represented a block in the
implementation of the MLPA law. The pier was located in one of the areas set for closure. I almost wonder if there isn't a master plan that's been in the works for years. One or two DFG team members proudly announced at the meeting that they have 4 new cruisers (actually catamarans) that will be put into operation to patrol ocean waters. Interesting, huh? Probably paid for with the fees we pay to fish CA waters.

There are still so many anglers that haven't heard of this law and don't have a clue that their rights to fish are about to be taken away. And you can bet it will be permanent! I heard that
President Bush is in favor of the MLPA's. I don't know the accuracy of that but I hope it's not true.

Fishermen need a watchful eye that can let them know when this kind of stuff goes down. This bill was brought before the legislature in 1998 and signed into law in 1999. And we are only
learning about it now! Once again, many anglers don't know anything about this.

PLEASE TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW. California fishmen and women need to write letters in addition to emailing their legislators and the governor. Remember, Gray Davis is up for re-election next year. Apparently, politicos tend to ignore email (the easy way), but ONE PERSONAL LETTER IS LIKE A THOUSAND VOICES.

Mary, I don't think it is that extreme, or that cut and dried. We aren't in danger of losing our right to fish, but we are in danger of losing our fish. Up in the Channel Islands area, no take zones were initially proposed by commercial fishermen in response to the reduced numbers and size of fish. We could get into figuring out who to blame for the decrease in our fishery, but we're probably better off trying to figure out how to save it. Research on marine reserves indicates they might be a good method. There is so much money involved in recreational fishing, that we are unlikely to lose our right to fish in the process. I know this is an opinion that most on this board dissagree with, but maybe we can at least agree that we're all interested in preserving our fishery. We need to keep a real watchful eye on both commercial and recreational fishing regulations, and I think we might also want to try some methods such as marine preserves that will rebuild damaged stocks.

Cheers,
JD

Right on John D. I agree.

Whoa whoa whoa... First off, what's wrong with some extra DFG patrol boats??? Would you rather there be none, so that the seas can get raped by poachers??? And yes, our money does pay for those boats, and rightfully so. I'm glad they're increasing enforcement.

Yes, Bush is in favor of the MLPA process.

John, the MRWG process was not started by commercial fishermen. It was a mandate from the State. Commercial fishermen (along with recreational fishermen, environmentalists, gov. agencies, etc.) were involved in the process, but no one constituency stood up 2 years ago and said, hey, we need to close down parts of these islands. Actually, it's just the opposite for the commercial guys (and rec) with the current proposals.
-Brian