MLPA Letter writing campaign!!

[Saba Slayer]

Here are some more thoughts to help with your letter writing....

IMPORTANT MLPA INFO CONCERNING YOUR FISHING FUTURE

The State is rushing to create multiple MPAs in Southern California which could include in excess of 20% of the State’s oceans. Supposedly this is to “protect” the ocean and all marine resources.

Anglers are as concerned as anyone that the ocean be conserved and fish populations protected. You know that “irresponsible” fishing can do damage, you also know that other human activities can also have serious impacts. The law says MPAs are supposed to be a balanced plan to protect the ocean, not just a “no-fishing” plan.

THE SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT IS HUGE: Many Californians make their living on the sea and many more rely on the ocean for fishing recreation and these endeavors support a very large financial pyramid—lodging, boating, supplies, fuel, etc.

THE COST IS UNSUSTAINABLE AT THE CURRENT ESTIMATE OF 30-40 MILLION: The State is essentially bankrupt. The Department of Fish and Game admits is currently does not have the resources to manage the huge array of closures. The net effect is that honest fishermen will stay out of reserves, but poachers will not.

Anglers have good and dedicated representatives spending many hours in highly technical meetings doing their best to guard your interests. But your help is needed to resist the political momentum they are struggling against.

PLEASE WRITE to your State and local legislators and tell them that fair and balanced MPAs are needed.

A simple message is best and it will support lots of other work going on to improve this process. The goal is to educate locally elected officials to the inequity underway, officials that pay more attention to local voices than do the Governor and his troops.

Tips for writing letters:
Short and to the point –focus on 2 – 3 points, avoid long lecturing type letters.
Make it personal –include comments about yourself, work, and community activities.
Don’t blame the legislator for this situation; ask for his or her help.
Avoid confrontational type words, show respect even if that is hard to do.
Written letter is better than email and type your letter if at all possible.
Say thank you!
PLEASE BE A PART OF THIS EFFORT AND PRESERVE YOUR FISHING FUTURE!!!
Jim / Saba Slayer

[Holy Mackerel]

Very good points Jim!

Especially:

Don’t blame the legislator for this situation; ask for his or her help.
Avoid confrontational type words, show respect even if that is hard to do

.

It is important to remember we are asking and NEED their help.

Thanks again, keep on writing, just bought some more stamps, and envelopes last night, busted out the "wide ruled paper," college ruled paper hurts the old hands...

Remember Personally Typed Letters in your own words count also, it is the form letters (previously constructed letter with talking points, we cut n paste, and all send in) that are just weighed not read. So if you rather type, go for it!

chris

[fryguy]

Just a quick question....

I know we're supposed to be giving our opinion about which areas are most important to us personally, but is there a consensus about which areas we feel have a higher priority than others?

Is there an "anything but La Jolla" approach - or something like that?

[tylerdurden]

Thanks Chris, working on it right now.

[Billy V]

Have you written your letter yet ? They are due by April 11th.
- Here's one of mine.

To: MLPA Comments,

I am alarmed at the prospect of loosing access to my fishing grounds because of the creation of State Marine Reserves.
My family and I have enjoyed a lifetime of fishing in our local waters and we now fear that our wholesome family activity will soon come to an end because of the rush to create these State Marine Reserves.

I can only hope that our voices are heard and our concerns will be addressed. The tax paying public should have a say as to what happens to the waters we use in our State.

Furthermore I do not see how a financially crippled state like California will be able to maintain and enforce these newly created marine reserves. The cost would be in the 10's of millions of dollars.

This process should be base on scientific evidence and not hurried into place. The large amount of private funding from environmental groups gives cause for concern. I believe these groups should not be allowed to buy their way into this process and feel it is corrupted by the acceptance of private money.

I ask that you make no change to the existing reserve located at La Jolla Shores, or block access to our fishing grounds unless there is good cause derived from scientific evidence.

Respectfully
Billy V

[Holy Mackerel]

Good Job Billy V, short, and to the point.

Originally Posted by fryguy

Just a quick question....

I know we're supposed to be giving our opinion about which areas are most important to us personally, but is there a consensus about which areas we feel have a higher priority than others?

Is there an "anything but La Jolla" approach - or something like that?

Good question, our stakeholders are working within the MLPA process to save our fishing grounds. They must remain impartial publicly at this point, so that is why we must write as concerned citizens, and kayak fishermen, not for their lobby.

The ECOTRUST survey is where we had our opportunity to chime in which areas we personally feel are important, for example, Chris' spot to NW corner, .

These letters should implore our legislature, and decision makers to as why you want to keep la jolla open, or your area open, and for their help. This is important, because they are receiving letters as we speak, in opposition, to close all our favorite spots. We must counter, and match what they are doing.

I have attached a couple more sample letters, thanks to the permission of Joe Nguyen of spearboard. Obviously, use these as a reference to help formulate your letters.

thanks, chris

[Corey]

In addition to my personal letters, I just sent a copy of the 2nd form letter on your last attachment to each person on the list. Every little bit helps. Now I feel sorry for the trees, haha. My offering to Neptune and the ghosts of biscuits past.

[buttchaser]

It's not to late guys Im sending in another one today
These letters are due by 4-11-09, to be considered by the BRTF (blue ribbon task force).

[Holy Mackerel]

This bump inspired me to finish writing all the state senators.... Just so can see I am not posting the same pic each day, I took a pic in front of buttchasers recent post!

Even gonna mail my state taxes in for good measure.

GET THOSE LETTERS OUT!!!!

[Dan]

Yeah Chris!

I just sent another half a dozen this morning. Do it people!! Come on!

Even the newbies that haven't had Josh show them how to fish La Jolla, come on!

[Holy Mackerel]

Originally Posted by fryguy

Just a quick question....

I know we're supposed to be giving our opinion about which areas are most important to us personally, but is there a consensus about which areas we feel have a higher priority than others?

Let me re-answer this... To be honest, yes, please write anything you feel will help. If you feel, certain parts of La Jolla are important to you, then write it. However, I am more inclined to write about keeping all of La Jolla open.

Originally Posted by fryguy

Is there an "anything but La Jolla" approach - or something like that?

For the 2nd question, one of the spearo letters attached makes the case for closing Del Mar, in opposition to La Jolla... See my previous post with attached documents.

thanks again,

Chris

[DENNYh]

sent, Handwritten

[cabojohn]

Letters also sent by my family today. My wife even included a small pic of our family fishing from our kayaks to make the letter seem a little more personal. (no pics of fish)


C'mon people...we need YOU to step up NOW!
Please get those letters mailed ASAP?
This is not a time to sit on your hands and hope for the best...PLEASE TAKE ACTION.

[Corey]

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