REMINDER ALERT FOR ANGLERS AND BOATERS
NEW INFORMATION!

Blue Ribbon Task Force Nearing Recommendation on Recreational Fishing Access in the
South Coast - Take Action!

The Situation
At its upcoming October 20-22 meeting, the Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) is scheduled to vote on which marine protected area (MPA) proposal to recommend for the South Coast under the state's Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA). The Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO), which represents the interests of recreational anglers and boaters, is supporting Proposal 2 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 still allows anglers maximum access to fishing. It is the only proposal that truly reflects the spirit of conservation.

SEND YOUR MESSAGE NOW!
To protect as much recreational fishing opportunity as possible, send a letter to the BRTF in support of Proposal 2. The Task Force needs to hear from you before its upcoming vote - send your letter now!

ATTEND UPCOMING BRTF MEETING!
The South Coast BRTF will also be receiving public comment in Long Beach on Wednesday, October 21, starting at 1:30 p.m. until about 4:30 p.m. and again at 7:00pm until about 10:00 p.m. This is your opportunity to sincerely convey to the BRTF your support of Proposal 2. Tell them:

* How important recreational fishing is to you!
* You are a conservationist, and that recreational fishing has a minimal impact on the ocean environment.
* Proposal 2 is a significant compromise by the fishing community, who are the most affected by MPAs, and is the only proposal that is a true reflection of conservation.
* The ocean resources in California are healthy and not in need of additional protection. Fishery management in California is working!
* There is no significant difference in the level of protection between the three proposals, but Proposal 2 has by far the least economic impact. This is hugely important given the state of the California's economy.

Additional Important Information from MLPA Staff

* Comment cards will be available approximately 1.5 hours before the start of each public comment period. Speakers are requested by MLPA staff to choose one comment period in which to speak.
* Comment cards are requested to be submitted 15 minutes before the start of a public comment period. No new comment cards will be accepted once the comment period has begun. Speakers must be present and turn in their own cards.
* Comment cards will be counted and, at the discretion of staff or the chair, the time allocated to each speaker will be based on the total available time and number of individuals wishing to speak. Time allotments will be enforced.

The meeting will be held at the Hilton Long Beach, 701 West Ocean Ave., Long Beach, Calif.

For More Information
To send a letter to the BRTF and learn more about Proposal 2, the MLPA and the PSO
visit http://www.keepamericafishing.org/california.html

For more details regarding the October 20-22 BRTF Meeting in Long Beach visit
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/southcoast.asp