VAN ZANT: Support Proposal 2 to hinder closures

By George Van Zant, Long Beach Press-Telegram
December 2, 2009

The Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) will present its preferred alternative for the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs) in Southern California to the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC) at a joint meeting next Wednesday.

Disregarding the impact that its decision will have on Southern California's coastal communities, the Blue Ribbon Task Force's (BRTF) Integrated Preferred Alternative (IPA) will unnecessarily close vast areas of the South Coast region to recreational fishing.

The Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO), comprised of recreational fishing and boating groups, supports Proposal 2 as the preferred alternative for the South Coast. Proposal 2 places MPAs in locations with a high level of conservation while minimizing the economic impact on local communities and recreational anglers and boaters.

To protect as much recreational fishing opportunity as possible, please send e-mails to the California Fish and Game Commission in support of Proposal 2.

The meeting will be held at: Radisson Hotel - LAX, ABC Ballroom, 6225 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90045.