Aliance of Communities for Sustainable Fisheries
P O Box 1309, Carmel Valley, CA 93924 (831) 659-2838

June 20, 2002

Honorable James V. Hansen
Chair, Committee on Resources
U S House of Representatives
1324 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D. C. 20515-6201

Dear Congressman Hansen,

The Alliance of Communities for Sustainable Fisheries (ACSF) represents Central California commercial and recreational fishermen and their coastal communities. On June 26th, the Resources Committee of the United States House of Representatives will consider legislation (HR 4749), presented by Congressman Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD), to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
ACSF is supportive of proposed amendments that allow fishermen to conduct their business in a viable, practical manner that balances conservation needs with resource use.

ACSF is not supportive of amendments that do not balance environmental, social, economic and cultural aspects of resource use. ACSF also does not support amendments that include definitions, arbitrary deadlines, or other policy concepts that will do little more than embroil fisheries managers in needless litigation.

Enclosed with this letter is a short summary of what amendments the Alliance does and does not support. We feel that making these key changes will allow for productive, orderly fisheries balanced with environmental considerations. We want to continue to feed our nation for many, many years to come.

Sincerely,

Mike Ricketts, Co-Chair, ACSF

Roxanne Jordan, Member, ACSF Board of Directors

Supporting Associations & Organizations
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
Half Moon Bay Fishermen’s Marketing Association
Fishermen’s Alliance
Western Fish Boat Owners Association
Ventura County Commercial Fishermen’s Association
Federation of Independent Seafood Harvesters
Golden Gate Fishermen's Association
Port San Luis Harbor District
City of Morro Bay Harbor
City of Monterey Harbor
Moss Landing Harbor District
Santa Cruz Port District
Pillar Pt. Harbor, San Mateo County Harbor District

C: Honorable Sam Farr, Honorable Lois Capps, Honorable Don Young, Honorable Nick Joe Rahall II
Honorable Wayne T. Gilchrest, Honorable Jim Saxton, Honorable Richard Pombo, Honorable George Miller
Honorable Elton Gallegly, Honorable Ken Calvert, Honorable George Radanovich, Honorable Calvin Dooley
Honorable Grace F. Napolitano, Honorable Hilda L. Solis, Honorable Neil Abercrombie
Honorable Donna M. Christian-Christensen, Honorable Peter DeFazio, Honorable Eni F. H. Faleomavaega
Honorable Joel Hefley,Honorable Solomon P. Ortiz, Honorable Frank Pallone, Jr., Honorable W. J. Tauzin
Honorable Greg Walden, Honorable Walter Jones, Honorable Robert A. Underwood

Enc.