Newsroom > Press Releases

•Archived Press Releases

Partnership for Sustainable Oceans Reaffirms Its Commitment to California’s Anglers and Boaters

Sacramento, CA - August 11, 2009 - In response to recent statements by ocean closure advocates, and a vote by the Fish and Game Commission to place 20 percent of North Central Coast’s prime fishing and boating coastal areas in marine protected areas, the Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO) reaffirms its commitment to protect California’s ocean environment while minimizing unnecessary closures to recreational fishing and boating for California’s citizens. The PSO, which collectively represents nearly one million of California’s recreational anglers and boaters through their combined membership organizations, has been actively and constructively involved in the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) planning and implementation process since the North Central Coast planning phase began in 2007. The majority of the PSO’s individual members lives or works in California.

“As of result of our involvement in the North Central Coast, more than two-thirds of the Integrated Preferred Alternative approved by the Fish and Game Commission reflected Proposal 2XA, the conservation-oriented proposal submitted by recreational anglers and boaters,” said Patty Doerr, Ocean Resource Policy director for the American Sportfishing Association and PSO member. “We’re very proud of the impact we had on the outcome.”

“As part of our involvement, we have continuously stressed to the Governor’s office, the Fish and Game Commission, MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) and MLPA Initiative members that the MLPA must be planned and implemented correctly and in full compliance with the Act. This requires adequate funding to acquire the necessary scientific and habitat data for the planning process, as well as the necessary funds to scientifically monitor and enforce newly designated marine protected areas,” said Dan Wolford, science director for California’s Coastside Fishing Club. “The PSO is committed to conducting itself with integrity and has been transparent in its position regarding marine protected areas. We have never wavered from that commitment.”

“Recreational anglers and boaters, especially kayakers, have a minimal environmental footprint,” said Paul Lebowitz, director of the Kayak Fishing Association of California. “We are a PSO member because we share a vision of sustainable fisheries conservation that is beneficial to the ocean. Kayak anglers do not support the use of fishing equipment or fishing practices that damage the environment. It is in our own self interest to protect fish and sensitive habitat for our children and grandchildren.”

Lebowitz further said, “State policy makers should take a keen interest in the future of California’s sportfishing industry. Not only do recreational anglers invest more than $80 million a year in the conservation and management of California fisheries, it is a livelihood and a major recreational pursuit that depends on healthy and abundant fisheries.”

When the MLPA was originally passed a decade ago, it was estimated that the annual cost of scientific monitoring and enforcement was approximately $250,000. Today, the same mandated monitoring and enforcement functions are now forecast to cost the state in excess of $35 million annually.

The PSO will continue to insist that the MLPA be planned and implemented using a scientifically-driven, transparent process that meets the requirements of the MLPA in an environment of cooperation. The PSO remains committed to participating in the planning and implementing process to protect California’s ocean environment while minimizing unnecessary closures to recreational fishing and boating for the enjoyment of California’s residents now and in the future.

Wolford concluded, “Recreational anglers consider ourselves to be the original conservationists which is why we support the objectives of the MLPA and actively support Marine Protected Area proposals that exceed the conservation objectives of the act, while minimizing the economic impacts they will impose.”

California’s saltwater recreational fishing community contributes more than $2.2 billion to the state economy annually, including $160 million in state and local taxes and supports nearly 20,000 jobs, including many in California’s critical tourism industry.

PSO members include the American Sportfishing Association, Coastside Fishing Club, Southern California Marine Association, Sportfishing Association of California, United Anglers of Southern California, Berkley Conservation Institute, 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 and the Watermen’s Alliance.

For more information visit http://www.keepamericafishing.org/california.html.

Contacts

For Partnership for Sustainable Oceans
Daniel Kramer, 916-941-6102
dan@kpastrategies.com
Susan Bitar, 916-941-6102
susan@kpastrategies.com