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

It is clear from these quotations, and when understood in the historical context, that the Sanctuary will not regulate fishing. The Sanctuary “mandates” to protect habitats and enhance biodiversity, and “balance the health of the Sanctuary ecosystem” are to be met not through restrictions on fishing, but through programs to enhance public education, research regarding Sanctuary resources, the ban on offshore oil and gas development, and most importantly, the water quality protection program. We believe that Sanctuary claims that their “mandates to enhance biodiversity, etc.” may require them to eventually restrict fishing in certain areas, is a misinterpretation of the Management Plan in the historical context in which it was developed.

Lastly, we wish to point out that the phrase, “Should problems arise…” is also sometimes used to justify potential Sanctuary actions to protect biodiversity, etc.; this is also being used out of context. The “problems” to which this refers are fishery problems. Thus far, no fishery problems have emerged that are not being adequately dealt with by the authorized fishery management agencies. There is a requirement in this section that “industry” be consulted to develop a solution to any potential fishery problem. Even though our organization has been working pro-actively with the Sanctuary, no formal consultation has occurred or been suggested by the Sanctuary Program.
Thank you for considering this analysis.

Sincerely,

Mike Ricketts, Co-Chair, ACSF

Kathy Fosmark, Co-Chair, ACSF

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