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Partnership for Sustainable Oceans Urges Immediate Angler Response to Critical MLPA Survey on Recreational Fishing

Sacramento, CA, September 11, 2008 – The Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO) today called on Southern California recreational fishermen and boaters who registered this summer to participate in a survey about the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) to complete the survey as soon as possible.

All anglers who registered for the survey were e-mailed a link that allows them to complete the on-line survey. While completion of the survey is an investment of time, the results are vital in the efforts to preserve fishermen’s access to public coastal waters.

For assistance in completing the survey, please contact Ecotrust, the firm conducting the survey, at fish@ecotrust.org or (503) 467-0804. Ecotrust staff is available to assist participants who may have technical difficulties while completing the survey. In addition, they will offer in-person interviews to those who are unable to complete the survey electronically.

The survey, conducted on behalf of the MLPA Initiative, seeks to find out where recreational anglers fish along the Southern California coast and develop critical socioeconomic information as tools to use in the MLPA implementation process.

The purpose of the survey is to incorporate recreational fishermen’s knowledge into the deliberations of the Regional Stakeholder Group in the MLPA South Coast Study Region; develop accurate maps of the local recreational fishing areas; and characterize their importance to recreational fishermen. The information will also assist local fishermen on the Regional Stakeholder Groups in protecting recreational fishing access to the most important areas.

For frequent updates about the PSO’s efforts on behalf of recreational fishermen within the MLPA process, please visit www.keepamericafishing.org.

Contacts
Dan Kramer or Susan Bitar, coalition spokespersons, 916-941-6102.

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The Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO) includes the American Sportfishing Association, Berkley Conservation Institute, Coastside Fishing Club, Contributing Members of the Avalon Tuna Club, International Game Fish Association, Kayak Fishing Association of California, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Nor-Cal Kayak Anglers, Shimano Sport Fisheries Initiative, Southern California Marine Association, the Sportfishing Association of California, United Anglers of Southern California and the Watermen’s Alliance .