February MLPA Update-Important Meetings in CenCal Feb 15-17

MLPA Update

The MLPA process continues to rush forward at blinding speed. New public workshops have been scheduled for February 15-17 in Bodega Bay, Santa Cruz, and Morro Bay respectively. These stakeholders’ workshops will help determine the central coast study region. More information about the meetings is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/mlpa/meetings.html#public. Ten alternatives are currently under consideration:

Pt. Arena to Pt Ano Nuevo
Bodega Head to Cambria
Pt Reyes to Pt Sur
Golden Gate to Pt Lobos
Golden Gate to Pt Sur
Pigeon Pt to Lopez Pt
Pt Ano Nuevo to Pt Sur
Pt Ano Nuevo to Pt Conception
Pt Sur to Pt Conception
Lopez Pt to Pt Conception

According to Dan Sleeter of Coastside Fishing Club (forum.coastsidefishingclub.com), on February 11th the Science Advisory Team voted in favor of the following four options (total votes):  
 
Ano Nuevo to Pt. Conception (11)
Ano Nuevo to Cambria (
Bodega Bay to Cambria (6)
Pt. Arena to Ano Nuevo (5)

Sleeter further added that the department will incorporate the Science Team’s information with that collected at the Feb. 15-17 meetings.

The smallest alternative encompasses over 70 miles of coastline. Each alternative contains three to 10 existing MPAs. NOTE: These are potential study regions for placement of the first of a new series of MPAs. The entire span of each region is not likely to be designated an MPA!  

Learn more about the MLPA at the state's MLPA Initiative Website www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/mlpa/index.


Too Late – Commissioner Hendrickson Terminated

Score one for the other team. Governor Schwarzenegger bowed to political pressure and withdrew his nomination of Marilyn Hendrickson to the Fish and Game Commission. This is a potentially terrible blow. Hendrickson was angler-friendly. The balance of power on the 5-member Commission may be at stake. We will have more information for you once the angling community has had time to contemplate the best course of action in response.

PL