Time to speak up on MLPA - every significant ocean access at risk

[PAL]

If your local kayak fishing spot is the north side of Palos Verdes, anywhere in Malibu, under the headland at Dana Pt, or bounteous, beautiful La Jolla or the north coast's Caprinteria Reef or the easy beach at Goleta, you better get to these meetings and speak your mind while you can.

The next chance is Monday Aug 3. Public comment is set for 3:30. CARLSBAD - BE THERE! Holiday Inn, 850 Palomar Airport Rd.

Save the excuses - they're tired and played. To those who've contributed their hard-earned money, their precious free time writing letters, or most critically generously given their time at these meetings, you have my lasting gratitude. However this turns out, never hang your heads.

Yesterday's direction from the Blue Ribbon Task Force could mean widespread doom for ocean kayak anglers. Every one of our few accessible, safe and productive areas is painted with a huge bullseye.

Forget the round 2 maps. Every spot is on the table.

The RSG was directed to meet or exceed Science Advisory Team guidelines that will close some or even all of these areas because persistent kelp is in such short supply. We won't catch a break if you stay home.

Only your continued participation will make a difference. MPAs only work when fishermen buy in. Safety is at stake - which of our brothers or sisters will we lose because we've been pushed away from reasonable access? And most of all, fairness dictates an equitable conclusion, not one which sweeps the most environmentally fishing community from the water.

Remember, the BRTF says they want cross-interest support - they won't get it from us if they close us down. And they aren't the end of the story. If the BRTF is unreasonable, we'll make our case before the ultimate decision makers, the Fish and Game Commission. Let's hope it doesn't come down to that.

So ask yourself the question. Are you man or woman enough, or are you going to take the loss of your way of life lying down? If you are, you're better off on the bay or a man made lake anyway.

Come on out. Speak politely, respectfully but passionately about our wholesome, sustainable sport.

It's not easy for me to make these meetings, but I've been to more than a few. See you there.