Lobster FMP

[Saba Slayer]

This information is important and I wanted to make sure as many people are aware of this meeting as possible...I hate the crying later..."no body told me or emailed me about this!!!"

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 28, 2012

Contact:
Carrie Wilson, DFGCommunications, (831) 649-7191
Mary Patyten, Marine Region, (707) 964-5026

DFG to Hold Public Meetings on Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan Process

The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will be holding two public meetings to share information about the Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan (FMP) process. The meetings, which will be held in Oxnard and Carlsbad, will provide the public and interested organizations with an opportunity to learn more about DFG's plans to develop a comprehensive Spiny Lobster FMP.

The public feedback from these meetings will help inform the Spiny Lobster FMP process and aid in the plans development.

"The spiny lobster is a prime candidate for an FMP," said Senior Biologist Kristine Barsky, who will coordinate the FMP process. Barsky has worked predominantly with invertebrate species such as lobster during her 37 years with DFG's Marine Region.

The Spiny Lobster FMP is being developed in accordance with the Marine Life Management Act of 1998, as the spiny lobster supports important commercial and recreational fisheries and plays a key role in the Southern California kelp forest ecosystem.

"DFG is committed to making this process transparent, objective and accessible to all, with the goal of completing an adaptable FMP that will ensure a sustainable lobster resource and healthy fisheries," said Barsky.

The agenda is identical for both public meetings so interested parties need only attend one meeting. Members of the public can provide comments in person at either of the following locations and times:

Oxnard: Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Open house begins at 6 p.m.
Public meeting will be held from 6:30-9 p.m.
Oxnard Performing Arts and Convention Center
Ventura Room
800 Hobson Way
Oxnard, CA 93030
www.oxnardpacc.com/directions.html

Carlsbad: Thursday, April 19, 2012
Open house begins at 6 p.m.
Public meeting will be held from6:30-9 p.m.
Grand Pacific Palisades Hotel
Grand Ballroom
5805 Armada Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
www.grandpacificpalisades.com/map-directions

Written comments may also be submitted after the meetings, either by e-mail through the Lobster FMP website (www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/lobsterfmp/) or by regular mail to:

Department of Fish and Game
Attn: Lobster FMP
1933 Cliff Drive, Suite 9
Santa Barbara, CA 93109

For more information about these meetings, the Spiny Lobster FMP process or to be added to the list server, please visit www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/lobsterfmp/.

Individuals who cannot receive e-mail may sign up to receive the Lobster FMP news notices via mail. Please contact Rosalyn McFarland at (805) 568-1231 to provide your mailing address.

If you are interested in the resource, please plan on attending one of the meetings and speak up about your concerns or plans for the future of our Lobster resource.
I'll be at the Oxnard meeting and Joe Exline will be at the Carlsbad meeting. The DFG plans on having "stations" (tables manned by various individuals)
at the meeting to represent the various stakeholders. I'll be there to look out for and represent our recreational Hoop Netters. Any creative input or concerns would be help
ful before the meeting
Jim / Saba Slayer