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

April 5, 2005

Bill Douros, Superintendent
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
299 Foam Street
Monterey, CA 93940

Dear Superintendent Douros,

Thank you for your letter of March 29, 2005, advising me that I was not selected as the Sanctuary Alternate for the commercial fishing seat on the Sanctuary Advisory Council. Your letter came as a surprise to me as I had been told by the only two other applicants for this position that they had withdrawn their names from consideration prior to March 29th. Moreover, my application represented support from the majority of commercial groups who operate within Central California waters, including:
The Santa Cruz Commercial Fishermen’s Marketing Association
The Moss Landing Commercial Fishermen’s Association
The Monterey Commercial Fishermen’s Association
The California Wetfish Producers’ Association
The Pacific Coast Federation of Fishing Organizations
The Western Fishboat Owners’ Association
The Alliance of communities for Sustainable Fisheries

In short, I have wide support from the industry that operates in this region. Moreover, the other two candidates for this SAC seat both withdrew, stating publicly that I was the preferred candidate. I’m also aware that even though you appointed another candidate, he in fact withdrew his application – twice, and was never sworn in as a SAC member.

I believe that you owe to the industry, if not to me an explanation as to why I was not selected. My questions are: What will happen now? Will you re-advertise this opening and if so, why? Have you disqualified me for a reason? If so, what reason(s)?

I am hoping that you will take the obvious action to work constructively with industry and appoint me to the Sanctuary Advisory Council. Thank you, and I look forward to seeing your written response.

Sincerely,

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