Many Thanks to Paul, Robert Fletcher, and all other MLPA angling activists - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

PAL · 12-17-2010, 08:02 AM

I'm working on clipping the video now. I hope to have it up on YouTube within a few hours.

roadx · 12-17-2010, 08:31 AM

Closing Waters to Sportfishing in Southern California Denies Public's Right to Access Public Waters‏

California Fish and Game Commission ignores numerous legal concerns by approving MPA regulations

Sacramento, CA – December 15, 2010 – Despite ongoing legal concerns, the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC) voted 3-2 to approve a wide-ranging array of marine protected areas (MPAs), essentially no-fishing zones, along the southern California coast. In its latest effort to implement the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), the commission’s vote indefinitely closes approximately 12 percent of southern California’s ocean to recreational fishing – including many of the state’s best recreational fishing areas.

“It’s beyond comprehension that the commission would go through with approving these regulations given the serious flaws in the process,” said Bob Fletcher of the Sportfishing Association of California and former Chief Deputy Director of the California Department of Fish and Game. “The commission obviously had no desire to assure that a fair, open, objective and legally conducted process was in place before such a vote occurred. This vote leaves little doubt that the MLPA has is based on political agendas instead of the needs of California’s citizens and natural resources.”

The Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO), which represents recreational fishing and boating interests in California, has been actively engaged in the MLPA process since the North Central Coast phase. The PSO has voiced its concerns regarding the numerous flaws and a lack of transparency in the process. One of the PSO’s members, United Anglers of Southern California (UASC), has retained legal representation to investigate the legality of the MLPA process.

During the December 15, commission meeting, the PSO’s attorneys presented to the commission the numerous examples of defects in the rulemaking process, including many flaws that were discovered after reviewing MLPA planning documents that have only recently become public.

On October 1, 2010, a California Superior Court ruled that two MLPA planning groups – the Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) and Master Plan Team , also known as the Science Advisory Team, are state agencies and therefore compelled by California’s Public Records Act to share information that they were withholding from public view. These groups would not respond to a Public Records Act request, incorrectly claiming they were not state agencies. In light of a PSO review of the documents provided to date, the commission was presented several notable findings prior to their vote, including evidence that the BRTF held numerous scheduled, agendized meetings which were closed to the public.

Other notable flaws and concerns with the MLPA process that were not taken into consideration by the commission include:

Lack of funding for the necessary monitoring and enforcement of MPA regulations – a $40 million annual price tag.
Negative economic impact of closures to saltwater recreational fishing, which contributes $2.3 billion to California’s economy annually and supports nearly 20,000 jobs.
Major flaws in the environmental analysis of the impacts of the proposed South Coast regulations.
Inconsistent and shifting guidelines throughout the process.

“The MLPA attempts to resolve a fisheries ‘crisis’ that simply does not exist. As a result of decades of successful traditional fisheries management, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service, there is not one marine fish stock currently experiencing overfishing in California’s waters,” said Gordon Robertson, Vice President of the American Sportfishing Association, a PSO member. “Simply put: fisheries management in California is working and the MPAs are not necessary.”

“While we are deeply disturbed that the commission would go forward with approving these regulations, the process is not over yet,” noted John Riordan, Board Member of UASC. “The PSO legal effort is working to protect the interests of recreational anglers and is making significant progress. I urge all anglers and anyone concerned with the MLPA to visit www.oceanaccessprotectionfund.org and make a donation to help the fight against this flawed process in the courts.”

PAL · 12-17-2010, 09:30 AM

Up now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua8T3qlbuvg

roadx · 12-17-2010, 10:12 AM

Dear Steve,
Thank you for your support of KeepAmericaFishing™ and for helping us to preserve your right to sustainably fish on our nation’s waterways.

California’s anglers, however, are still facing increased efforts to keep anglers out of California’s public waters – including some of the best fishing spots on the West coast.

We need your help! Support our fight by donating now to KeepAmericaFishing.

With your donation of $30 or more you will receive a free Rapala Pro Bass Fishing game for Nintendo Wii bundled with a rod and reel adapter for your Wii controller. Valued at $49.99, it’s our way of saying thank you.

Your contributions help us to preserve your right to fish on our nation’s waterways.

Steve, please donate now to receive your free gift. Your generosity helps to preserve our time honored sport now and for generations to come.

Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season from KeepAmericaFishing!

Gordon Robertson
Vice President, KeepAmericaFishing

sandydiego · 12-17-2010, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadx

Dear Steve,
Thank you for your support of KeepAmericaFishing™ and for helping us to preserve your right to sustainably fish on our nation’s waterways.

California’s anglers, however, are still facing increased efforts to keep anglers out of California’s public waters – including some of the best fishing spots on the West coast.

We need your help! Support our fight by donating now to KeepAmericaFishing.

With your donation of $30 or more you will receive a free Rapala Pro Bass Fishing game for Nintendo Wii bundled with a rod and reel adapter for your Wii controller. Valued at $49.99, it’s our way of saying thank you.

Your contributions help us to preserve your right to fish on our nation’s waterways.

Steve, please donate now to receive your free gift. Your generosity helps to preserve our time honored sport now and for generations to come.

Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season from KeepAmericaFishing!

Gordon Robertson
Vice President, KeepAmericaFishing

I got this but we have a xbox!

PAL · 12-17-2010, 10:40 AM

^That's awesome. Rapala must have donated a bunch of those games.

Keep America Fishing is the ASA, American Sportfishing Association. They are a key member of the PSO, and a staunch ally in the MLPA fight. It's a good place to send cash. They've spent a ton trying to help us.

HOWEVER

To directly fund the legal effort and keep your money in California, go here: http://oceanaccessprotectionfund.org/

mckenzie · 12-17-2010, 11:10 AM

I've just written a check for $250.00. I hate to say it, but our best chances are with the lawyers. Lawyers cost money, we all need to chip in what we can.

The thought of having my passion taken away leaves a hole in my stomach!

Billy V · 12-17-2010, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PAL

Up now: http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua8T3qlbuvg

Paul,

Check the link. Remove the 1st Http://

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua8T3qlbuvg

Billy

12-17-2010, 08:31 AM	#2
roadx . Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,155	Closing Waters to Sportfishing in Southern California Denies Public's Right to Access Public Waters‏ California Fish and Game Commission ignores numerous legal concerns by approving MPA regulations Sacramento, CA – December 15, 2010 – Despite ongoing legal concerns, the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC) voted 3-2 to approve a wide-ranging array of marine protected areas (MPAs), essentially no-fishing zones, along the southern California coast. In its latest effort to implement the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), the commission’s vote indefinitely closes approximately 12 percent of southern California’s ocean to recreational fishing – including many of the state’s best recreational fishing areas. “It’s beyond comprehension that the commission would go through with approving these regulations given the serious flaws in the process,” said Bob Fletcher of the Sportfishing Association of California and former Chief Deputy Director of the California Department of Fish and Game. “The commission obviously had no desire to assure that a fair, open, objective and legally conducted process was in place before such a vote occurred. This vote leaves little doubt that the MLPA has is based on political agendas instead of the needs of California’s citizens and natural resources.” The Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO), which represents recreational fishing and boating interests in California, has been actively engaged in the MLPA process since the North Central Coast phase. The PSO has voiced its concerns regarding the numerous flaws and a lack of transparency in the process. One of the PSO’s members, United Anglers of Southern California (UASC), has retained legal representation to investigate the legality of the MLPA process. During the December 15, commission meeting, the PSO’s attorneys presented to the commission the numerous examples of defects in the rulemaking process, including many flaws that were discovered after reviewing MLPA planning documents that have only recently become public. On October 1, 2010, a California Superior Court ruled that two MLPA planning groups – the Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) and Master Plan Team , also known as the Science Advisory Team, are state agencies and therefore compelled by California’s Public Records Act to share information that they were withholding from public view. These groups would not respond to a Public Records Act request, incorrectly claiming they were not state agencies. In light of a PSO review of the documents provided to date, the commission was presented several notable findings prior to their vote, including evidence that the BRTF held numerous scheduled, agendized meetings which were closed to the public. Other notable flaws and concerns with the MLPA process that were not taken into consideration by the commission include: Lack of funding for the necessary monitoring and enforcement of MPA regulations – a $40 million annual price tag. Negative economic impact of closures to saltwater recreational fishing, which contributes $2.3 billion to California’s economy annually and supports nearly 20,000 jobs. Major flaws in the environmental analysis of the impacts of the proposed South Coast regulations. Inconsistent and shifting guidelines throughout the process. “The MLPA attempts to resolve a fisheries ‘crisis’ that simply does not exist. As a result of decades of successful traditional fisheries management, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service, there is not one marine fish stock currently experiencing overfishing in California’s waters,” said Gordon Robertson, Vice President of the American Sportfishing Association, a PSO member. “Simply put: fisheries management in California is working and the MPAs are not necessary.” “While we are deeply disturbed that the commission would go forward with approving these regulations, the process is not over yet,” noted John Riordan, Board Member of UASC. “The PSO legal effort is working to protect the interests of recreational anglers and is making significant progress. I urge all anglers and anyone concerned with the MLPA to visit www.oceanaccessprotectionfund.org and make a donation to help the fight against this flawed process in the courts.” __________________

12-17-2010, 09:30 AM	#3
PAL Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 754	Up now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua8T3qlbuvg Last edited by PAL; 12-17-2010 at 12:26 PM.

12-17-2010, 10:12 AM	#4
roadx . Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,155	Dear Steve, Thank you for your support of KeepAmericaFishing™ and for helping us to preserve your right to sustainably fish on our nation’s waterways. California’s anglers, however, are still facing increased efforts to keep anglers out of California’s public waters – including some of the best fishing spots on the West coast. We need your help! Support our fight by donating now to KeepAmericaFishing. With your donation of $30 or more you will receive a free Rapala Pro Bass Fishing game for Nintendo Wii bundled with a rod and reel adapter for your Wii controller. Valued at $49.99, it’s our way of saying thank you. Your contributions help us to preserve your right to fish on our nation’s waterways. Steve, please donate now to receive your free gift. Your generosity helps to preserve our time honored sport now and for generations to come. Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season from KeepAmericaFishing! Gordon Robertson Vice President, KeepAmericaFishing __________________

12-17-2010, 08:02 AM	#1
PAL Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 754	I'm working on clipping the video now. I hope to have it up on YouTube within a few hours.

12-17-2010, 10:40 AM	#6
PAL Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 754	^That's awesome. Rapala must have donated a bunch of those games. Keep America Fishing is the ASA, American Sportfishing Association. They are a key member of the PSO, and a staunch ally in the MLPA fight. It's a good place to send cash. They've spent a ton trying to help us. HOWEVER To directly fund the legal effort and keep your money in California, go here: http://oceanaccessprotectionfund.org/

12-17-2010, 11:10 AM	#7
mckenzie Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 46	I've just written a check for $250.00. I hate to say it, but our best chances are with the lawyers. Lawyers cost money, we all need to chip in what we can. The thought of having my passion taken away leaves a hole in my stomach!