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

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.

tylerdurden · 09-25-2009, 10:15 AM

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.

Dan · 09-25-2009, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tylerdurden

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.

tylerdurden · 09-25-2009, 01:05 PM

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.

09-24-2009, 05:34 PM	#2
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	#3
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

09-25-2009, 10:15 AM	#5
tylerdurden Bad Clone Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 874	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. __________________ MLPA, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem Let the Fish and Game Commission know what you think about the proposed maps. Be ready for December 9th and 10th.

09-25-2009, 01:05 PM	#7
tylerdurden Bad Clone Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 874	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. __________________ MLPA, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem Let the Fish and Game Commission know what you think about the proposed maps. Be ready for December 9th and 10th.

09-24-2009, 08:23 PM	#4
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.