Surfrider MLPA meetings starting Tue 9/23 7PM S.C. - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Matt · 09-22-2009, 12:48 PM

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!!

Tman · 09-22-2009, 12:56 PM

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...

Iparker · 09-22-2009, 01:12 PM

I second those comments of Matt and Dan and I have also had similar conversations with Chad Nelsen at Surfrider. While they support the MLPA process, I've been told by several times that they have lobbied for a balanced closure that considers all users. A good example of this was the Laguna Beach city council meeting where they city was considering a motion that favored a city wide MLPA closure and Chad spoke against the motion.

Gino · 09-22-2009, 01:42 PM

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

joyjiggin' · 09-22-2009, 06:19 PM

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

Billy V · 09-22-2009, 09:40 PM

We will see soon enough when their letter is released.

805gregg · 09-23-2009, 06:20 AM

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.

dmrides · 09-23-2009, 06:32 AM

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.

zenspearo · 09-24-2009, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

Big PROPS should go to both Stefanie and Joe Geever,

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

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

Matt · 09-24-2009, 11:32 AM

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!

Billy V · 09-24-2009, 12:00 PM

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.

Iparker · 09-24-2009, 03:51 PM

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

zenspearo · 09-24-2009, 04:43 PM

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

Not him Joe! 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!

so cal shaggy · 09-24-2009, 05:34 PM

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.

Tman · 09-24-2009, 05:56 PM

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...

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

Holy Mackerel · 09-24-2009, 08:23 PM

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.

Holy Mackerel · 09-24-2009, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenspearo

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

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

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.

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.

09-22-2009, 12:48 PM	#1
Matt Support your local pangas Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lj Posts: 976	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!! __________________ Thanks Matt F.

09-22-2009, 12:56 PM	#2
Tman BRTF...bought & paid... Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,247	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... __________________ Adios Tman Gaffer for Clay the Fishcatcher

09-24-2009, 11:32 AM	#10
Matt Support your local pangas Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lj Posts: 976	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! __________________ Thanks Matt F. Last edited by Matt; 09-24-2009 at 06:46 PM.

09-24-2009, 05:34 PM	#14
so cal shaggy Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Anaheim Posts: 85	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. __________________ Thanks, Jeff

09-24-2009, 05:56 PM	#15
Tman BRTF...bought & paid... Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,247	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... And make sure we Q a bunch of fish and throw the carcasses in the water after we fillet 'em.... __________________ Adios Tman Gaffer for Clay the Fishcatcher

09-22-2009, 01:12 PM	#3
Iparker Junior Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 23	I second those comments of Matt and Dan and I have also had similar conversations with Chad Nelsen at Surfrider. While they support the MLPA process, I've been told by several times that they have lobbied for a balanced closure that considers all users. A good example of this was the Laguna Beach city council meeting where they city was considering a motion that favored a city wide MLPA closure and Chad spoke against the motion.

09-22-2009, 01:42 PM	#4
Gino Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 520	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

09-22-2009, 06:19 PM	#5
joyjiggin' Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Huntington Beach Posts: 109	"Decades of Overfishing/"... I don't buy it either. ...smells fishy.

09-22-2009, 09:40 PM	#6
Billy V Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 1,382	We will see soon enough when their letter is released.

09-23-2009, 06:20 AM	#7
805gregg Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ojai, Ca Posts: 43	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.

09-23-2009, 06:32 AM	#8
dmrides Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Point Loma Posts: 584	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.

09-24-2009, 12:00 PM	#11
Billy V Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 1,382	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.

09-24-2009, 03:51 PM	#12
Iparker Junior Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 23	Ditto to what Matt said. If you have an hour to spare, I would suggest going so your voices are heard.

09-24-2009, 08:23 PM	#16
Holy Mackerel Señor member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,627	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.