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

We believe that the SAC needs to be formulated to freely represent the interests of the outlying communities and industries who have so much at stake in how the Sanctuary operates. The freedom to write Congress is crucial. There are no elected officials involved in the Sanctuary Program, even though it can create regulations. We believe that Congress needs to be well informed about what this Program is doing, either through our strong support, or our expression of grave concern.

Specifically, our organization requests the Farm Bureau members to contact your respective AMBAG board members to express to them your concern that this problem gets a fair and thorough review, and that the interests of the local communities and industries be paramount in their decision making. We have attached for your review a list of all the AMBAG members and their phone numbers. We’ve also attached a copy of our organization’s summary of governance issues with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Program. We particularly draw your attention to the section on the Sanctuary Advisory Council.

To conclude, this issue is no tempest in a teapot. It must get resolved in favor of a strong local voice, or this Sanctuary Advisory Council will be able to be used by the Sanctuary Program to justify whatever it is they wish to do in the future in the name of the community good. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Please do not hesitate to call us directly if you wish further background information on this topic. We look forward to our organization continuing to have a constructive dialog and relationship with the members of the agricultural community.

Sincerely,

Mike Ricketts, Co-Chair, ACSF, 659-2838

Kathy Fosmark, Co-Chair, ACSF, 373-5238

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 Marketing Association
Half Moon Bay Fishermen’s Marketing Association
Fishermen’s Alliance
Western Fishboat 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
Attachments