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

Changes to the National Marine Sanctuary Act will affect all four National Marine Sanctuaries off California: Channel Islands, Monterey Bay, Cordell Bank, and Gulf of the Farallones. Additionally, there are proposals to expand both the Channel Islands and Monterey Bay Sanctuaries. This is all the more reason the role (or non-role) of the Sanctuary Program in fisheries needs to be clarified.

It is the intention of the ACSF to actively work with the above-mentioned supporting organizations, and offer constructive amendments to the National Marine Sanctuary Act. Specific language changes would be developed through congressional staff. The Joint Cable/Fisheries Liaison Committee would be kept well informed as to the specific language changes proposed through this effort. It is anticipated that this effort will take approximately one year. Of our requested funds, $21,000 will fund six months effort, which include anticipated travel costs to testify before Congress.

Who Will Benefit?
The two biggest beneficiaries of proposed changes will be the fishing community and the harbors, whether they be municipal or special districts. To that end, the Cable/Fisheries Liaison Committee will be only one source of funding for this effort. Funds will be solicited from the various harbors affected by Sanctuary regulation. Other outreaches, such as to the agriculture community, will be made, as the language regarding the protection of Sanctuary resources has far reaching implications for many types of users or neighbors to Sanctuary waters.

Beginning and Completion Dates
This work effort has already begun with suggested language changes. The completion date is unknown but would be represented by the passage of a reauthorized National Marine Sanctuary Act by Congress and signed by the President. This would be approximately twelve to sixteen months from now.