Important Meeting December 3, 2016

On Saturday December 3rd from noon to 4 Watermen’s Alliance is hosting a meeting with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the public at the CV Starr Center, 300 S. Lincoln St. in Fort Bragg to discuss current and future abalone management. 

 

The first portion of the meeting will discuss the current emergency action being proposed.  This portion is intended to share information about the current situation and discuss ways to improve communication and participation in decision making process.  This will be an opportunity to discuss current and alternative management methods. 

 

A second portion will discuss the regulatory action for 2018.  Any emergency action is temporary and will expire unless additional action is taken within one year.  If the situation improves, the emergency action can be allowed to expire but in the event that our situation does not improve the department is going to begin regulatory action to take effect in 2018.  This is a more lengthy process and allows more time to come up with options and to allow public input. 

 

The rest of the meeting will be dedicated to what abalone fishermen want from the next management plan.  All of the preceding discussion should be a good indicator for what we want improved, but how.  One of the criticisms of the current management plan is that it is designed to maintain very high abalone numbers at the expense of opportunity. An important issue to discuss is what do fishermen want and at what price – there are no free lunches.  The answers to this question will guide the management and regulations of our sport going forward.  The Department needs to know your preferences.  Finally, we will discuss how we might make the management plan work and desired behaviors. We will discuss not only management methods but also identify desired outcomes.

I hope to see you all at this meeting,
Joshua Russo
President, Watermen’s Alliance
Director, SCAN
North Coast Representative, CA DFW Recreational Abalone Advisory Committee

The meeting is from noon to 4. Sub-Surface Progression will be hosting a BBQ and get together at the shop afterward providing free food to all that show up to support.  Make sure to stop by after the meeting.  I'll be there!

I have my MRI on my knee on 12/1...if allowed to travel and/or dive I will do my very best to be there.

Thanks again for all your hard work Josh!!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Right smack in the middle of Rockfish's wedding.

-Allen

I have my MRI on my knee on 12/1...if allowed to travel and/or dive I will do my very best to be there.

Thanks again for all your hard work Josh!!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

You can ride with me if you're allowed. 

The Freedive Shop will be at the meeting giving out vouchers good for 50% of any one item in their store during the month of December.