As you probably already know, the MLPA Process is winding down and final maps are being drawn.

This Thursday, Sept. 10th will be the FINAL meeting with public comment allowed. If you want to do one thing to help protect YOUR RIGHT TO FISH in our coastal waters, you NEED to show up for this meeting. IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING for the MLPA battle, PLEASE BE AT THIS MEETING. There has never been a better reason for a fishermen to take a vacation day or call in sick.

Here are the details:

Who: Members of the Public

What: Guidelines for Providing Public Comment to the Marine Life Protection Act South Coast Project

Where: MLPA South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group (SCRSG)
September 10, 2009 at 8:00 a.m.
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles
6101 West Century Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Meeting Agenda

When: Public comment will be taken for approximately 120 minutes beginning at approximately 9:00 a.m.

How:
On Thursday, September 10, 2009, the public is invited to provide public comment for approximately 120 minutes beginning at approximately 9:00 a.m. The public is encouraged to provide comments directly related to the development of Draft Final Round 3 of the Marine Protected Area (MPA) proposals.
Feedback on specific shapes, designations and location of proposed MPAs is incredibly valuable. Do you support what is being proposed? If not, can you offer a specific change in shape, designation and/or location?
Are there specific geographies that either merit additional protection or where the socioeconomic impacts are too burdensome?

We can't stress enough that this process will soon be over and this is your VERY LAST CHANCE to have an impact on the MLPA Process. The overwhelming fishermen turn out at the Santa Ana Meetings earlier this summer made a profound impact. We need to make one last push.

This is a critical time for our pastime and we don't have any more chances left to make a change.