The State workshops did not allow for an adequate presentation on the scientific justification for designation of any of these areas. The Alliance and the fishing communities we represent need to know the reasons why some scientists think these areas should be set aside. Likewise, insufficient time in the public process as well as the time of year chosen for this process (summer months) has not allowed for all or even most of the different gear types to create the kind of specific site by site comments which we believe you seek.
It is on this point that the Alliance would like to make an offer to the Department of Fish and Game. As stated previously our Alliance is based on representation from each of the five harbors that primarily fish within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary area. Each harbor has designated representatives from the different commercial gear types (i.e. the troll fleet, the trawl fleet, trap fisheries, near-shore, highly migratory species, etc.). We would suggest that the Alliance could assist the Department by organizing at least three regional meetings, one in the Pillar Point area, one in the Monterey Bay area, and one in the Morro Bay area, wherein these representatives would be invited to meet with members of your science panel to go into great detail as to the effects of these Marine Reserve proposals. Obviously, sufficient time has to be allowed for this to occur and it also need to occur over a time period wherein the different gear types will be ashore and able to help. It is through this process, and we believe only through this type of process, that the Department and therefore the Fish and Game Commission can truly evaluate the proposed MPA areas.

Lastly, we know that you are already in receipt of a letter from Bill Douros, Superintendent of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which among other things expresses the view that some of the marine reserves proposed by the State are not nearly large enough and should also stop fishing for all pelagic species. The Superintendent certainly has the right to express his own view, and the view of his agency; however, we do want to point out that even though there is a discussion in his letter about working with the Alliance, his view was presented without the advance knowledge or concurrance of the Alliance or its marine reserve study group. You should also be aware that the Superintendent’s opinion was presented without the benefit of any discussion from the Sanctuary Advisory Council, a citizens body created to work in cooperation with the Sanctuary in giving advice on just such issues of tremendous community importance. In fact, the last time the Council considered the Sanctuary’s role in fishing issues (April 1999) they voted unanimously that the MBNMS should not attempt to regulate fisheries.

Thank you for your consideration of these thoughts. We look forward to hearing a response from you regarding our offer to assist in setting up small group workshops to generate the type of information you need to make an informed decision. For the record, we have also enclosed a list of “cautions” regarding MPA’s, and also the complete text of Mike Ricketts remarks at the July 16, 2001 MLPA/Seaside meeting.

Sincerely,

Kathy Fosmark, Co-Chair, ACSF, Mike Ricketts, Co-Chair, ACFS

Supporting Associations & Organizations
Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Association
Port San Luis Commercial Fishermen’s Association
Morro Bay Commercial Fishermen’s Association
Monterey Commercial Fishermen’s Association
Fishermen’s Association of Moss Landing
Santa Cruz Commercial Fishermen’s Association
Pillar Point Commercial Fishermen’s Association
Fishermen’s Alliance
Institute for Fisheries Resources
Western Fish Boat Owners Association
Port San Luis
Morro Bay Harbor
Monterey Harbor
Moss Landing Harbor
Santa Cruz Harbor
Pillar Pt. Harbor
Ventura County Commercial Fishermen’s Association
Federation of Independent Seafood HarvestersC: Bill Douros, Superintendent, MBNMS
MBNM Sanctuary Advisory Council
Alliance Members