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•Archived Press Releases

January 21, 2009

Decision Nearing on Recreational Fishing Access in California’s North Central Coast

Voice your support for Proposal 2XA which has the least impact on recreational fishing and boating

The Situation
The California Fish and Game Commission (FGC) is nearing a vote on the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the North Central Coast under the state’s Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA).  Right now, the FGC is leaning to adopting the Integrated Preferred Alternative (IPA), a proposal that closes 13 percent of the North Coast Study region to recreational fishing. This is NOT the proposal supported by the recreational fishing and boating communities.

The Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO), comprised of recreational fishing and boating groups, supports proposal 2XA as the preferred alternative for the North Central Coast. Proposal 2XA places MPAs in locations with a high level of conservation while minimizing the economic impact on local communities and recreational anglers and boaters.

However, much needed revisions to the IPA would improve the proposal significantly. These revisions would allow for the regulated take of abalone in the Sea Lion Cove, Russian River, and Saunders Reef State Marine Conservation Areas (SCMAs) as well as shore-based fishing at Saunders Reef.

SEND YOUR MESSAGE NOW!
To protect as much recreational fishing opportunity as possible, send an e-mail to the California Fish and Game Commission in support of proposal 2XA. The letter will secondarily support the implementation of the IPA proposal with changes in favor of less restrictive access.

Voice your support for recreational fishing – send your e-mail now!

Thank you for doing your part to Keep America Fishing.

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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 .