NEWS & VIDEOS

The Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) unanimously voted on October 26,2010 to forward a community-based marine protected area (MPA) proposal for the north coast. The MPA proposal, developed by the 33-member north coast regional stakeholder group (NCRSG), was presented to the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC) together with a modified enhanced compliance alternative MPA proposal and other recommendations on February 2, 2011 in Sacramento.

The Fish & Game Commission's deliberations and decision making will take place during a number of meetings throuhout 2012.

During the February 2, 2007 Fish & Game Commission meeting in Monterey, distinguished California Deputy Attorney General, Bill Cunningham explained to the Fish & Game Commission and the public the implications of the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act for the conduct of the various advisory panels that comprise the MLPA Initiative:

Ray Hilborn is a Professor in the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington. Dr. Hilborn served on the California MLPA Master Plan Science Team (SAT) during the planning phase of the South Coast Study Region. During the public webcast of the SAT's 10/06/2009 meeting, Hilborn voted "NO" on the MPA size and spacing evaluation:

SAVE THE DATE:
The next Fish & Game Commission meeting will be held in Sacramento on February 2, 2012.
Download agenda:   HERE

The CFC strongly opposes AB 1299. Our opposition is best expressed by the comments of renowned fisheries oceanographer, Richard Parrish. Dr. Parrish's comments are available HERE for downloading. In its present form, AB 1299 is not based on sound science and would impose a burdensome, unfunded mandate upon the Department and the Commission -- adversely affecting California's fisheries, coastal communities and seafood buying public.