**Special Important Announcement: Critical MLPA mobilization this Thursday June 4th, 2009

Guys and gals,

The MLPA Implementation Team has double-crossed fishermen and other consumptives with their blatant bias for the anti-fishing faction. Ed Zieralski, writer for San Diego Tribune called it “Betrayal at its worst in MLPA process.” Paul Leibowitz, writer for Western Outdoor News, called it “Trust Betrayed.”

These actions gravely endanger the right to fish in Southern California. The next Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) meeting is this Thursday, June 4th, 2009, 9:30AM at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel, 6101 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA. Fishermen and ocean sportsmen of all stripes are recognizing that unless there is a strong public response with the BRTF, the future of fishing in Southern California is doomed due to the fraudulent manner with which this process is being rammed down fishermen’s throats.

Bloodydeckers are mobilizing along with other consumptive communities to respond. We need to let the BRTF know what we think about the voting shenanigan that allows the anti-fishing map External C to continue after it was voted out by the Regional Stake Holders. We need to go and press our concerns regarding the extreme maps again. Keep pushing for the moderate position to keep our fishing areas open. Keep pushing for minimum closures instead of the extreme and expansive closures proposed by the anti-fishing groups. You can also speak about how closing or keeping a specific area open to fishing will affect you, your family, and friends economically and/or recreationally.

While it may seem tedious to go all the way to LA to attend this meeting, especially during a weekday, your attendance matters a great deal. For example, your attendance and speaking out on May 19th made a tremendous difference and is widely credited with helping to swing the tide in our favor. The fact that the anti-fishing crowd has to resort to voting shenanigans, in order for the extremist's External C map to stay alive, should tell you that your presence and testimony do have a tremendous effect.

Keep in mind that these are the very last chances we have to address the BRTF in this MLPA process. They are the decision makers--the next one is in July and then it's into October. There is a meeting late October but the reality is this one and the July meeting are going to be it for addressing these important decision makers.

Also, while you may feel righteously indignant, please keep in mind to be courteous but firm and professional. Don't blow your top; don't act unprofessional; don't use curse words. Remember that the BRTF is the decision makers in this process, and their decision will affect where you can or cannot fish next year.

The public speaking session starts at 9:40AM but please be present by 9AM at the latest. Comment cards should be filled out and handed in before 9:00 AM as they may limit comments to only those cards received by that time.

Hope to see you there Bloodydeckers!!! Click here for more info about the meeting location and time.

Thursday, June 4, 2009 9:30 a.m.
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
6101 West Century Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045