Looks like everyone lost

[Sea Weed]

I guess F&G went with their own plan.

Keep America Fishing News Alert

FISH AND GAME COMMISSION BETRAYS RECREATIONAL ANGLERS
IN SOUTH COAST MARINE LIFE PROTECTION ACT PROCESS

Sacramento, CA -- March 4, 2010 -- As part of the South Coast region's Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) process, yesterday 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.

For additional information regarding the MLPA process, log on to www.keepamericafishing.org.
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J Nunez (J_nunez)
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Username: J_nunez

Post Number: 31
Registered: 4-2009

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Posted on Thur

[Spike]

Anglers getting screwed by this process is part of the orchestration of the MLPA implementation.  I'm still surprised at the reaction of stakeholder reps that didn't see it coming in their regions or were otherwise shocked by the outcomes.  Maybe they got caught up in, or manipulated by, the psuedo representation of good-will by the facilitators.  I think it's very important to appreciate that the representation effort by our stakeholders was/is critical and necessary.  Even in this flawed process, excluding ourselves (citing the futility of the effort), would have been clearly detrimental to the angler cause.  Ongoing angler support from you and me, in the form of letters, emails and phone calls to government reps stating your position, continues to be crucial to the future of recreational angling.

My gut feeling about MLPA and the extreme environmental movement is that it's more about re-shaping the perception of recreational fishing from a wholesome family activity to a socially unacceptable form of recreation, crushing many of California's fishing communities, businesses and individuals in the process.

[PAL]

My gut feeling about MLPA and the extreme environmental movement is that it's more about re-shaping the perception of recreational fishing from a wholesome family activity to a socially unacceptable form of recreation, crushing many of California's fishing communities, businesses and individuals in the process.

Right on Spike, you hammered it home. As far as stakeholder reps who didn't see it coming... oh my, that's all too perceptive and reveals the deep-seated organizational issues we have on our side. Don't forget divide and conquer either, by chewing up the state region by region, the private and biased MLPA Initiative ensures they are dealing with rookies every time.

Keep in mind that while the concrete's poured, it will take a year to set. It ain't over yet. A lot can happen, or nothing, to disrupt the outcome.

[Sea Weed]

Well we can't let them divide us any longer. Next is Obama and his thugs messing with inland fishing as well. We all have to stand together. Power boaters , Kayak fishermen And shore fishermen. WE NEED TO STAND TOGETHER COUNTY TO COUNTY AND STATE TO STATE. 

[Spike]

This is clearly the most important conversation when it comes to "talking fishing" right now.  The lesson from MLPA, so far, is that by working the political process, special interests can accomplish just about anything, especially when they are facing a weak lobby.  That may be even more true in California.  These are some of the same circumstances that lump us to commercial fishing interests with an awkward share of responsibility and no say-so whatsoever.

In a sense, we divide ourselves.  PAL has effectively demonstarted that individuals can unite and make an impact.  On the other hand, where are all the major manufacturers and industry providers who profit from our new section in all of this?  Has there been more than a token commitment from sportfishing, paddlesports and periphery industries to support the recreational angler cause?  Are the company PR managers so skiddish of breaching political correctness that they won't make waves while profiting SIGNIFICANTLY from the section?  I believe "the other side" works that advantage to their benefit...with precision.  I'd reluctantly understand the "stand down" position of the industry infrastructure if MLPA was a Utah or Arizona issue but California will set the course of fishery policy well beyond the Golden State.

IMO, loading up buses with red shirted anglers to show support for the future of recreational fishing (Bob Sands Fishing Tackle in Van Nuys) beats the heck out of throwing a few thousand bucks at sportfishing lobbying groups to "qualify" as support by industry leaders.  I could be wrong in my assessment here, I just think if the industries were stepping up for anglers on this issue, with sincere dedication and dollars, they'd be soaking up the positive PR for their efforts and I don't see that...

I gotta feeling that our call to action will soon be renewed.  Stand by.