The area from Newport Bay all the way south to Dana Pt is targeted for fishing closures on 4 MLPA plans. If you'd be affected, you should take advantage of the opportunity this weekend to attend an MLPA workshop in Laguna Beach, when you can suggest alternatives and let them know how much it will hurt. One of the MLPA Stakeholder reps who represents local city governments should be there. More info courtesy Shaggy of KSF:
On Saturday, March 21st, 2009, the City of Laguna Beach will be hosting a Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Workshop.
The workshop will be held from 1-4 pm in the City Council Chambers.
What is the Marine Life Protection Act?
A process is currently underway to designate a network of new Marine Protected Areas along the Southern California Coastline. By the end of 2009, the California Fish and Game Commission will approve a proposal that will set some areas of state waters aside for conservation and rehabilitation while allowing others to remain open to sustain vital recreational and commercial fisheries. As a part of the MLPA process, the three Laguna Beach marine protected areas will be evaluated and either maintained as is, modified, or eliminated.
Let your voice be heard!
After a brief explanation of the Marine Life Protection Act, all workshop attendees will have the opportunity to provide input on the designation process. Following guidelines established by top marine scientists and the Department of Fish and Game, attendees can help place sections of “no take” reserves off of some areas South Orange County, as well as identify species and method of take still allowed in other areas. Information from this workshop will be presented before the Laguna Beach City Council and will be sent directly to the South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group. For more information, please contact Calla Allison. (949) 246-2459
callison@lagunabeachcity.net
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