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

As presented, SB 236 creates a double standard. Trawl gear is singled-out for a bycatch standard that most other commercial or recreational fisheries could not meet. Trawl gear is put into the position of proving that it does not cause significant environmental harm while no other gear group or user group is being held to the same standard. Lastly, the bill instructs the Commission to establish a program to provide assistance to those that will be adversely impacted by the bills restrictions. However, it provides no funding for such a program.
SB 236 is ill conceived and not warranted. The bill assumes habitat destruction and wastage that are not supported by facts. We urge you to withdraw your bill.

Sincerely,

Kathy Fosmark, Co-Chair

Mike Ricketts, Co-Chair

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
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