Press Releases

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Yesterday the California Fish and Game Commission (CFGC) conducted a nearly 12-hour hearing on instituting a new system of marine protection areas (MPAs) along California's coast. Representatives from the research, conservation, business, legislative, recreation, and fishing communities testified on the impacts of establishing systems of state marine reserves, parks, and conservation areas in seven coastal regions.

During Wednesday's hearing, representatives from the California Fisheries Coalition (CFC) spoke to the commercial, recreational, and environmental benefits of their recommended system, known as Package 1 or the "fisherman's package." CFC members and supporters were present at the hearing in relatively equal numbers to those in favor of the most restrictive packages known as 2R and 3R. CFC advocates presented sound arguments based on the goals of the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) and the science guidelines established by the MLPA Initiative's Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF). The BRTF has already certified that Package 1 meets all of the goals and science guidelines required the MLPA. In some regions, CFC members spoke in favor of the state Fish and Game Department staff's recommended alternatives known as Package P.

Enforceability, economic impact, and lack of true science data on the effectiveness of MPAs were among the arguments waged against the most extreme packages, known as 2R and 3R. Speaking on the issue of enforceable boundaries, Fish and Game Deputy Director Sonke Mastrup opined, "If you can't hold people accountable, you can't live by it." Fish and Game Commissioner Richard Rogers agreed. "We can't set up our anglers to fail," said Rogers. CFC commercial fishermen, represented by David Crabbe, a Monterey squid fisherman and vice president of the California Wetfish Producers Association, advocated flexibility in enforcing compliance with the proposed marine reserves and new regulations. Ultra-conservative regulations are putting small businesses under extreme pressure and stress. For instance, the fleets for recreational fishing boats (party boats) in Morro Bay have dropped from four boats to one and from 14 boats to five in Monterey.

Tom Hafer, a Morro Bay nearshore and spot prawn fisherman, was accompanied by his wife and young son. Hafer pleaded for the commission to consider his small business and his family livelihood. "If you close this area to fishing," he said, referring to a lightly fished but productive spot prawn area off the coast of Big Sur, "I might as well just sell my boat and move." His son, Benjamin Hafer, testified, "My dad is a commercial fisherman and I want to grow up to be a fisherman."

CFC members and supporters, present at the hearing in relatively equal numbers as those in favor of the most restrictive packages, also raised complaints about the MPLA Initiative process. Many individuals and groups were either excluded from the MLPA Initiative's public process, not invited to provide input on the placement of proposed MPAs, or seem to have had their concerns completely ignored by the commission. Ultra-conservative regulations are putting small businesses under extreme pressure and stress. The CFC continues to play an active role. "You can't keep people out of the process just because of their financial status," said David Edlund of the California Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA), speaking on behalf of sustenance fishermen. Mike LaRocco, also of the RFA, requested support of Package 1, calling it the "working man's package."

The Fish and Game Commission's next public hearing on the MLPA Initiative is scheduled for Tuesday, August 15, in Monterey. For more information on the MLPA Initiative and the California Fisheries Coalition, visit the CFC website at www.cafisheriescoalition.org.

The California Fisheries Coalition represents people whose livelihoods and recreation depend on a healthy, productive marine environment. With their experience on the ocean, commercial and recreational fishermen contribute great depth to our understanding of California's marine ecosystem and have developed progressive relationships with marine research and protection advocates. CFC member associations and businesses actively support the livelihood and recreation of hundreds of thousands of California citizens and visitors. The local fish and shellfish marketed by CFC member fishermen and seafood processors reach millions of consumers in central coast communities, throughout the state of California, nationally and internationally. For more information visit www.cafisheriescoalition.org or call (916) 444 - 8194.