Re: Notice of completion and availability of draft environmental impact report regarding marine protected areas in California's north central coast study region pursuant to the Marine Life Protection Act.

To Interested Parties:
The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission), as lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), has made available a draft environmental impact report (Draft EIR) for the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative North Central Coast Marine Protected Areas Project. The Draft EIR has been prepared following the Commission's selection of a preferred alternative (the Proposed Project), and in conjunction with the Commission's review and potential adoption of proposed regulations for marine protected areas (MPAs) in State waters within the north central coast study region [State waters between Alder Creek near Point Arena (Mendocino County) and Pigeon Point (San Mateo County), and around the Farallon Islands].

The project objectives are to help protect, maintain, restore, enhance, and manage living marine resources by developing this portion of the MLPA required network of MPAs. Take of finfish, marine plants and/or invertebrates would be prohibited or restricted in several discrete areas by regulations established by the Commission and implemented by the California Department of Fish and Game (Department). In addition to the Proposed Project, the Draft EIR analyzes three project alternatives which were developed by regional stakeholders. Additional information on the Proposed Project, project alternatives, and the development process is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/mlpa.

The Draft EIR is being published for a 45-day public review and comment period. A Final EIR will be prepared in response to comments received during the review period. The public review period for the Draft EIR commences on March 20, 2009 and ends on May 04, 2009. We welcome your views on the adequacy and completeness of the Draft EIR. Your comments on the Draft EIR must be sent at the earliest possible date, but not later than 45 days after publication of this notice in order for your comments to be considered.

Please send written comments concerning this Draft EIR to "MLPA North Central Coast CEQA" at the address provided above. Your comments should include your name, address, and daytime telephone number so a representative of the Department can contact you if clarifications regarding your comments are required. Submittal of written comments via email (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format) would be greatly appreciated. Email comments may be sent to mlpacomments@dfg.ca.gov and should include "MLPA CEQA Comments" in the subject line.

Document Availability: A copy of the Draft EIR and all reference documents are available for review during regular business hours at the Marine Region office identified above, as well as other Department Marine Region offices and various public libraries (call 831-649-2893 for a full list of locations).