Alliance of Communities for Sustainable Fisheries
256 Figueroa Street #1, Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 373-5238
www.alliancefisheries.com

Kathy’s Remarks to the Monterey City Council

February 22, 2006 

Mayor Albert and Councilmembers, my name is Kathy Fosmark.  As you know, I’m the Co-Chair of the Alliance of Communities for Sustainable Fisheries, an organization that represents about 900 fishing families from Port San Luis to Half Moon Bay.  Our members have been very involved in the MLPA process.  We have helped develop Package #1, which I hope you will support. 

Package #1 is truly remarkable for having brought together a wide variety of interests, including kelp harvesters, recreational anglers, divers, harbor and coastal community representatives, and of course commercial fishing people.  Package #1 meets all of the science and conservation requirements of the Marine Life Protection Act.  What distinguishes it, is that our members have taken seriously the task of thoughtfully suggesting Marine Protected Areas that have high natural heritage value, and meet all the goals of the Act, while at the same time, placing them in areas that minimize as much as possible the negative effects to fishing families, their communities, and even to the environment. Let me be clear - even our own proposal causes us considerable sacrifice.  We have proven that the State of California can have conservation while not sacrificing sustainable fisheries.  We have proven this without a doubt.  Although well intended, Package #2 & #3 cause us needless harm, and if adopted by the State, will force many people out of business.  Luckily, with our Package, the Council does not have to choose between conservation and sustainable ocean harvest –you can have both.  If the Council is going to eventually choose a Package, we certainly hope that you will pick Package #1, and believe that it fits with past City of Monterey policies, as we know them. 

Thank you.