Surfrider MLPA meetings starting Tue 9/23 7PM S.C.
 

Being who they in this area, I'm sure they will have an influence with this "letter".

Surfrider
Explore Maps of Marine Protected Areas with the Surfrider Foundation
September 20, 2009
PRESS RELEASE

Decades of overfishing, coastal development, and pollution have taken a toll on Southern California's ocean environment. To help improve our ocean's health, the State is setting aside protected zones similar to state parks so that marine life can thrive.

This is one of your last chances to give meaningful input on where marine protected areas should be located! Please join Surfrider to learn more about the Marine Life Protection Act and to discuss the proposed maps. After the community forums, will compile all constructive comments into a letter that will be sent to decision makers before the final vote. We need to hear from you!

Agenda:

• 7:00-7:10--Welcome and brief overview.
• 7:10-7:20--Summary of Surfrider's outreach efforts over the past year and what we learned from local communities and Surfrider supporters.
• 7:20-7:40--Overview and discussion of each map.
• 7:40-8:00--Questions & Answers.

<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /><O:P>WHEN: Four different forums will be held in the following areas:Orange County, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and San Diego.All forums will be from 7-8pm.</O:P>



Sept 23. San Clemente Senior Center: 242 Avenida Del Mar. San Clemente, CA 92672.
Sept 24.Watershed Resource Center:2981 Cliff Drive.Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Sept 29.Santa Monica Library--Ocean Park Branch: 2601 Main St.Santa Monica, CA 90405
Sept 30.Encinitas Community Center: 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Encinitas, CA 92024

Community Forum Information:
September 23, Wednesday. 7-8pm
San Clemente Community/Senior Center
242 Avenida Del Mar
San Clemente, CA 92672-4005
Use the Library building entrance on Del Mar Street, and the Senior Center is on your left side of the lobby.
:eek:
http://www.surfrider.org/files/FAQSurfriderMLPA%20.pdf
http://www.surfrider.org/files/SF_MPAs_Access_Memo.pdf
http://www.surfrider.org/policy_mpa.asp


About the Marine Life Protection Act

The MLPA is a law that requires the state to establish a "network" of marine protected areas from Oregon to the Mexican border. The goals of the MLPA are to: 'set aside' areas of the ocean to increase fish populations, enhance marine habitat, and to improve recreational and educational opportunities. Over the past year, has been working with diverse groups of people including recreationalists, fishermen, environmentalists, and Chapter activists to ensure the law is effectively implemented. To learn more go here: Surfrider on the Marine Life Protection Act or email Ssekich@surfrider.org

they seem to be going against the grain of this section of the law.....

"to improve recreational and educational opportunities"

I'm getting desperate :(

They better be careful what they wish for...
They just might have to change their name from
Surfrider
to
SurfWatcher
in the future...

I think that we should all attend these meetings and cordially discuss our ideas and goals with them. I see quite a few people fishing at La Jolla on stand up paddle boards, one would only assume that they are Surfrider members. I also heard Bird on the morning surf report on 94.9 this morning saying that the surf was small and that he would recommend that you go fishing today rather than surfing. Seems like even Surfrider members would also be bummed about the closure.

Make your voices heard. Show up and let them know your thoughts. Of course do so in a respectful way, but let our voices be heard.

Stefanie at Surfrider is doing a good job balancing our interests. Pick the meeting close to you and make your points!

Surfrider can throw their weight around in a major way on issues.....the other enviros are not stoked on their moderate stance on this issue.

SR
 

Ok so let me lay something out for many of you "informed" people regarding surfrider.....I have been chatting with two of their main people and I assure you they are more closely leaning to our side than many of you think. They have been taking a ton of flack for not joining the "enviro" side, in my chats with them they have been extremely open minded and supportive of keeping Lj open and not increasing the current MPA.....So hear them out and go up and express your opinions in a polite and courteous manner and you may just find that they are more on your side than you think!! Big PROPS should go to both Stefanie and Joe Geever, THANK YOU BOTH VERY MUCH FOR THE TIME YOU HAVE TAKEN TO CHAT WITH ME AND OTHERS!!

We will be at the Enc. one.

I will tell Clay that they are surfers like him, and have him do a bit of talking with them...;)

That letter doesnt express in any way they are looking out for our fishing interest. Depsite individual comments and discussions.

Opening the letter with "decades of overfishing..."

The letter is a hard copy. Its public, unless they are willing to publish a letter to kayakfisherman showing they are out for a balanced resolution.


I dont buy it

"Decades of Overfishing/"... I don't buy it either. ...smells fishy.

We will see soon enough when their letter is released.

Surfrider needs to stick with surf related issues. They should have nothing to do with other issues, that's why the founder of surfrider quit.

I appreciate your guys comments regarding your insight into Surfrider. I think this is great to know that they are hearing us and are open to present on behalf of those who speak up and express what it is that they want and why they want it. Since this is the case, this is all the more reason to reiterate to Surfrider how important keeping access to La Jolla is to us yakkers.

Even if organizations do not support our cause, it never hurts to graciously remind them of how many people are in support of keeping access to our fishing grounds.

I think again it comes down to the fact that as a community of kayak fishermen who want to continue to have access to the areas we cherish, we need to make sure the groups that have the ability to have influence are aware of how many people want to protect fishing grounds like La Jolla.

I think that anyone who fishes at La Jolla, or fishes in general, needs to write an email, send a letter or show up to any meetings about the MLPA just to show that you are in support of keeping La Jolla open. If enough people send this message, we will be heard and this will go a long way.

I would hate to be sitting on my couch next year wishing that I could be fishing, but knowing that I did nothing to make that happen.

I attended the San Clemente meeting and left with the impression they had a true interest in feedback from the consumptive community and was glad I went. Not a huge turnout, but I'd guess more consumptives than pro-closure people.

The first 35 minutes is stuff you already know, but if they are in your area, I'd suggest going to provide your feedback.

Iparker, thanks for that feedback...:notworthy:

Hopefully that will enlighten individuals of the necessity of becoming aware...

Or, in simpler terms, show your arses up.

Thanks for showing up bro and giving us feedback.

Never met Joe Geever but is he the guy in this video?

http://www.spearboard.com/showthread.php?t=92742

Yes he is in there, my bad I missed his part, i fast forwarded it to not have to listen to the lame banter, sorry for that. Look the MPA's are a fact and they are going to happen, and from every talk I have had they are wanting to help us keep LJ open. I have been to a great many meetings and have spoken with SR staff members many times, they are not anti-consumptive users, they realize that close to 45% of their membership are fisherman. They do support the creation of MPA's but they are also willing to help us as Kayakers to try and keep the majority of LJ open, which to me personally is the only part of the fight I actually care about. Closed mindedness will not win, sitting there and saying "fuck coastkeeper", "NO CLOSURES ANYWHERE!", aren't really helping us! Showing up with a bloodydecks shirt showing "over the top" gore is not going to help us! Speak intelligently, be polite, and try using the honey not venom method and we may just save the extremely important spots to us!!!

I am not saying to trust anyone in this process completely, but I am desperately trying to get us allies in order to keep parts of La Jolla/Black's, Malibu, Dana Point and others as open as possible to get us the access we want. Please, please, please help everyone out and show up to the meetings and try and fight the good fight!

Hey you may not agree with everything but we have got to try and win within the system that has been established!

I'll be there.

Everybody who fishes La Jolla, or Anywhere Else on a kayak has no excuse not to show up.

-I have spoken to almost every New Faced Kayak Angler I meet out there in LJ and stress the importance of attending these meeting.
-Probable to the extent of sounding a little crazy! (but thats mostly the Jersey in Me.) but WTF I'm fighting to Win.
---------------------------------------

I can't wait until this shit^y process is over, and we can wash this bad taste from our mouths.
In spite of all the stress and turmoil the MLPA has created among us it has solidified friendships that will be long lasting.
---------------------------------------
I hope to see all of you there.

Ditto to what Matt said. If you have an hour to spare, I would suggest going so your voices are heard.

Matt,

My comment was not directed at you, and if anyone takes it that way, let it be part of the record that I was questioning where Joe Geever and more specifically where SR stands.

Let's be clear.

If I could be under the impression that he's backing greater closures (and I've been to a shitload of these meetings), based on his and other SR reps public testimonies and his appearance in this video, then rest assured that the public at large and the BRTF is getting the same message that SR is supporting larger closures.

I'm interested in LJ but I am also interested to see other areas get some relief. If other areas are slammed, rest assured that we'll see more fishermen, divers, kayakfishermen, boaters in the little tiny NW corner of La Jolla. Same for PV, same for Point Dume, same for any other areas.

We in the diver communities also have a huge stake in this, including the LJ area, and we also got the "hey-we-try-to-help-you-guys" song and dance from certain SR members.

Hey, then how about showing us that you mean it, SR? Don't tell ME or my fellow divers in whisper. Not when it's the 23rd hour. Tell the BRTF, tell the RSG, tell the SAT, tell the public. So far, the curtain is about to fall, we've seen SR publicly speaking up for more closures and in propaganda videos so pardon the eff out of me for being skeptical of SR intention at this time.

But I'd second the thoughts that 1) it's worth it to go and see what they have to say and put in our 2 cents, and 2) divided we fall.

joe

Joe Geever is in that video, (small cameo, but indicting) and this video is the biggest piece of BS propaganda I have seen. Very one-sided. :rolleyes:

I know some of you have been working with SR, (Thank YOU!) and I hope they continue to act in good faith. From what I have heard they were receptive to working with keeping a larger portion of LJ open to fishing. I have a problem with their fundamental stance on closing access, and lack of focus on pollution, water quality, in the MLPA, among other things, but I will bite my tongue right now.

If you attend this meeting, as has always been asked by kayakers, remember to discuss your thoughts with civility.

I am optimistic
 

Matt, I hope that you are correct about the stance of the SRF because believe me, after attending multiple meetings and speaking to SRF members having them state "we want to work with you guys and not close off access to anyone" then listen to those very same SRF members make statements to the RSG, BRTF or SAT like "we need to close as much ocean as possible" or "we are only closing 3% of the coast." great except that most to all of the fish are in that 3% leaving very little areas for anglers to fish. It is difficult to believe what they state in public. Also the fact that a very outspoken anti fishing BRTF member is on the board for SRF I am not sure I believe everything they tell me. I hope they are on board to help you save LJ but I have not heard anything from them regarding Laguna which is under serious pressure to be completely closed which would be all of the Orange County area forcing those of us that live in that area to drive a minimum of over 60 miles to go diving and fishing.

Just my thoughts...

If they do succeed in closing Laguna because of the $ there, and us fishers being an eye sore to certain people, being how they don't like to look out and see kayakers and the such out disturbing their view, what say we plan a couple

NON-FISHING kayak regattas????

Paddle around, catch some waves, have a big ol' BBQ party on the beach afterwards...:the_finger:

And make sure we Q a bunch of fish and throw the carcasses in the water after we fillet 'em....:sifone:

I think there is some skepticism amongst fisherman/spearos with Surf Rider, and that it is justified. But they have shown good faith with regards to La Jolla (not knowledgeable about other areas).

This thread has been constructive, thus far, but before it turns bashing Surf Rider, (and it hasn't) I think we should see if they are sincere in their good will, and continue to work with its moderate representatives.

My take, surf rider isn't for us and aren't against us. They kind of straddle some knife edge trying to cater to both sides but fail.

I really wish in their public comment they would come and say something about keeping a specific area open for fishing because of access isues. In private they have been supportive of our access issues as kayakers though. As of yet they have not explicitly stated this in public comment for a specific area that I know of, and it keeps me from supporting them. They support the process in general which is troubling.

When I talked to one of them, they seemed to be interested in taking as much of LJ as possible and knowing exactly where the line was that would piss us off.

Isn't that better than them not knowing?? I took them to the edge of the land and showed them that exact spot.

Meagan from Coast Keeper and I met to discuss this exact line and really spent alot of time going over the area and what their stance was and where our pain centers were....

Then, in the next round of maps, the Coast Keeper (Kate Hanley-RSG) MPA retreated to that exact spot....is that a coincidence?

Don't blow your chance to educate and contribute to the Surfrider forum by yelling and venting on them. Their letter to the BRTF will hold water. They are very well respected. They have seen the end game of this process in the North Central coast and know that it is going to get really slippery in the hands of the BRTF.....we should learn from them and try and synch up as much as possible. Agree on everything with them? Probably not....but the ability to access them and provide input is a good opportunity.

I know what your saying Dan. I am frustrated with their seeming lack of public stance on which map they like, or what areas they prefer to close or stay open. I just wish they would give some specific public endorsement or stance, not a general thumbs up to the process.

SR is a very respected organization and has done a lot of good things. Their opinion carries weight and I only hope they side with reason. Nothing hurts our chances more than someone ranting and raving at people. It doesn't and hasn't gotten us anywhere.

bump.

Tomorrow night. Another chance to show up and push for what is right. We need to be respectful, but we need to be heard too.

bump again. Tonight 7pm. Another chance to do some good for our fishing future.

Sept 30.Encinitas Community Center: 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Encinitas, CA 92024

The Fishcatcher aka Grommet, and I will be there...

I told Clay to kindly remind them that he has 2 boards and 1 kayak...

that he is one of them, and needs to let them know that...

Who is Going to This Meeting?

At the meeting last night, most attendees were in support of the shapes presented in WG3 for north county and San Diego.....please send your specific comments on any of the areas that you feel strongly about to Stefanie Sekich at ssekich@surfrider.org The memo they are compliling will be high impact, so speak up!

A quick email with the subject: MLPA Community Forum Comments

A quick one liner is fine. DO IT!!!!

(how was that guy that popped off to Tman? holy crap)

Thanks Dan! Remember to be polite in your email, no use to accuse SR for anything. Just state why you support a proposal, for example, WG2. :sifone:

Yah, that was hilarious...hope he reads this...

Dan is referring to a comment some douchebag made about how I "shouldn't take a 50lb 9 year old out in the ocean if he can't handle it".

First of all Einstein, the comment I had made was how unsafe it is to have a 9 year old paddle 3 miles out to fish.

Second, he is 75lbs, not 50lbs.

And finally, you should remember this quote..."It is best to keep ones mouth closed and look like a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt."

Kayakers let it fly after his comment, me with 'Are you insulting my parenting skills' and 'He has 2 surfboards. So he whouldn't surf either?'

Then someone else who shall go unnamed really let it fly...his tale to tell.

Clay couldn't believe that an adult would insult a kid.

Needless to say, poor Stefanie was shocked he said that. As were others.

And nope I am not bashing Surfrider, just question their choice of members. Some members actually supported us on the 'dip net' issue and understood.

Unlike the other dip that spoke out....

"If you make an ass out of yourself, there will always be someone to ride you"

Dan,

I spent a few minutes speaking with Stefanie, and Joe after the meeting. She asked that you specifically submit an e mail to Her summarizing the message we spoke about last night.

I will do the same.
ie. Map we support, Dip Net issue on WG3 , and our preferred boundaries.

Billy

Every once in a while a loud mouth like that needs to be reminded to have manners, It was my pleasure.

Notwithstanding the unwelcome outburst, our message was delivered.

That stinks Martin, there are always bad apples in every group. Sounds like Stefanie, and Joe, are trying to work in good faith for everyone's access.

No way that guy has ever surfed a day in his life. He had to sit there and stew in that comment for another hour before sneaking out.

A good example of how any personal attacks in this process are just straight up ass hat douche nozzle material. That guy lost all cred. And good job Martin for not stooping to his level after he questioned your parenting.

Way too hold your temper, Martin. You're definitely the better man.

It was also encouraging to hear that there is not a great deal of support for WG1, since we all know how much that would suck.

Thanks again to all of you who continue to put in all your hard work to spread the word of what we want. :you_rock: