PROPOSED PLAN TO RE-OPEN ADDITIONAL RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL FISHING AREAS PRESENTED AT TODAY�S FISH AND GAME COMMISSION MEETING
Contact: Tom Raftican (805) 895-3000
PROPOSED PLAN TO RE-OPEN ADDITIONAL RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL FISHING AREAS PRESENTED AT TODAY�S FISH AND GAME COMMISSION MEETING
UASC and Coastside Fishing Club Welcome Proposal by Richard Rogers,
Look Forward to April Vote
ARCATA, CALIF. (March 2, 2007) After testimony from more than 20 people at todays California Fish & Game Commission Meeting, Commission Vice President Richard Rogers made a request that will be welcomed news to Central California fishermen. Rogers asked the commission to consider an alternative to the Preferred Plan that would re-open to fishing important, strategically selected waters within the current Purisima Point, Point Buchon and Point Sur MPAs.
Rogers proposal will be on the table when the commission votes in April. United Anglers of Southern California President Tom Raftican, who testified at the meeting on behalf of UASC and Coastside Fishing Club, welcomed this positive step towards re-establishing important fishing grounds. UASC and Coastside Fishing Club are proud to work with Richard Rogers on opening up additional recreational opportunities while still maintaining the high conservation values that all Californians demand, Raftican said.
Specifically, Rogers proposed the commission consider moving the northern boundary of the Parismo Point MPA southward; re-opening a full mile of important shoreline for nearshore recreational fishing. On the Point Buchon MPA, Rogers recommended moving the northern boundary to the south and the southern boundary northwards, reducing the MPA by 1.5 miles on each end. Re-opening access to these waters, said Raftican, would create an important recreational fishing area nearby to private boat harbors, improving not only recreational access, but also safety.
Fish & Game Commission MPA Proposal
On the Point Sur MPA, Rogers recommended that the commission consider moving the southern boundary to the north, eliminating two square miles of closed waters.� Re-opening access to these productive nearshore waters would be especially beneficial for commercial fishing interests in the area.�� In addition, Rogers asked that the commission consider the region�s Diablo Canyon Security Area as a de facto MPA in its overall assessment of the area.�� These waters surrounding the nuclear powerplant are closed to fishing and boating access for national security reasons, yet they still have the same effect as an MPA.
Raftican pointed out that Rogers will be the featured speaker at the upcoming Anglers� Caucus at the Fred Hall Fishing Tackle & Boat Show in Long Beach.��� The Caucus will begin at Noon on Thursday, March 8.� Admission to the event is free with the purchase of a Fred Hall Show ticket, limited to the first 500 people.�� In addition to Rogers, fishermen will have the chance to discuss MPAs and other angling issues with Department of Fish and Game Director Ryan Broddrick, American Sportfishing Association President Mike Nussman and Coastside Fishing Club Director Darrell Ticehurst, along with Raftican and others.
For more information, look for the UASC booth at the Long Beach Fred Hall Show or contact UASC headquarters at (949) 863-9447.� You can also learn more at the website by visiting www.unitedanglers.com.
PROPOSED PLAN TO RE-OPEN ADDITIONAL RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL FISHING AREAS PRESENTED AT TODAY�S FISH AND GAME COMMISSION MEETING
UASC and Coastside Fishing Club Welcome Proposal by Richard Rogers,
Look Forward to April Vote
ARCATA, CALIF. (March 2, 2007) After testimony from more than 20 people at todays California Fish & Game Commission Meeting, Commission Vice President Richard Rogers made a request that will be welcomed news to Central California fishermen. Rogers asked the commission to consider an alternative to the Preferred Plan that would re-open to fishing important, strategically selected waters within the current Purisima Point, Point Buchon and Point Sur MPAs.
Rogers proposal will be on the table when the commission votes in April. United Anglers of Southern California President Tom Raftican, who testified at the meeting on behalf of UASC and Coastside Fishing Club, welcomed this positive step towards re-establishing important fishing grounds. UASC and Coastside Fishing Club are proud to work with Richard Rogers on opening up additional recreational opportunities while still maintaining the high conservation values that all Californians demand, Raftican said.
Specifically, Rogers proposed the commission consider moving the northern boundary of the Parismo Point MPA southward; re-opening a full mile of important shoreline for nearshore recreational fishing. On the Point Buchon MPA, Rogers recommended moving the northern boundary to the south and the southern boundary northwards, reducing the MPA by 1.5 miles on each end. Re-opening access to these waters, said Raftican, would create an important recreational fishing area nearby to private boat harbors, improving not only recreational access, but also safety.
Fish & Game Commission MPA Proposal
On the Point Sur MPA, Rogers recommended that the commission consider moving the southern boundary to the north, eliminating two square miles of closed waters.� Re-opening access to these productive nearshore waters would be especially beneficial for commercial fishing interests in the area.�� In addition, Rogers asked that the commission consider the region�s Diablo Canyon Security Area as a de facto MPA in its overall assessment of the area.�� These waters surrounding the nuclear powerplant are closed to fishing and boating access for national security reasons, yet they still have the same effect as an MPA.
Raftican pointed out that Rogers will be the featured speaker at the upcoming Anglers� Caucus at the Fred Hall Fishing Tackle & Boat Show in Long Beach.��� The Caucus will begin at Noon on Thursday, March 8.� Admission to the event is free with the purchase of a Fred Hall Show ticket, limited to the first 500 people.�� In addition to Rogers, fishermen will have the chance to discuss MPAs and other angling issues with Department of Fish and Game Director Ryan Broddrick, American Sportfishing Association President Mike Nussman and Coastside Fishing Club Director Darrell Ticehurst, along with Raftican and others.
For more information, look for the UASC booth at the Long Beach Fred Hall Show or contact UASC headquarters at (949) 863-9447.� You can also learn more at the website by visiting www.unitedanglers.com.
