Partnership for Sustainable Oceans Supports Responsible Ocean Stewardship

[theangler]

Sacramento , California - In response to recent statements by ocean closure advocates, the Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO) reaffirms its commitment to protect California 's ocean environment while minimizing unnecessary closures to recreational fishing and boating for California 's citizens. The PSO, which collectively represents nearly one million individual recreational anglers and boaters through their combined membership organizations, has been actively and constructively involved in the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) planning and implementation process since the North Central Coast planning phase began in 2007. The PSO was formed to represent recreational anglers and boaters to ensure they have an organized presence and unified voice in the MLPA process. The majority of the PSO's individual members live or work in California.

PSO members include the American Sportfishing Association, Coastside Fishing Club, Southern California Marine Association, Sportfishing Association of California, United Anglers of Southern California , Berkley Conservation Institute, Contributing Members of the Avalon Tuna Club, International Game Fish Association, Kayak Fishing Association of California, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Nor-Cal Kayak Anglers, Shimano Sport Fisheries Initiative and the Watermen's Alliance.

"As part of our involvement, we have continuously stressed to the Governor's office, the Fish and Game Commission, MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) and MLPA Initiative members that the MLPA must be planned and implemented correctly and in full compliance with the Act. This requires adequate funding to acquire the necessary scientific and habitat data for the planning process, as well as the necessary funds to scientifically monitor and enforce newly designated marine protected areas," said Dan Wolford, science director for California 's Coastside Fishing Club. "The PSO is committed to conducting itself with integrity and has been transparent in its position regarding marine protected areas. We have never wavered from that commitment."

"Recreational anglers and boaters, especially kayakers, have a minimal environmental footprint. We are a PSO member because we share a vision of sustainable fisheries conservation that is beneficial to the ocean. Kayak anglers do not support the use of fishing equipment or fishing practices that damage the environment. It is in our own self interest to protect fish and sensitive habitat for our children and grandchildren," said Paul Lebowitz, director of the Kayak Fishing Association of California.

Lebowitz further said, "State policy makers should take a keen interest in the future of California 's sportfishing industry. Not only do recreational anglers invest more than $80 million a year in the conservation and management of California fisheries, it is a livelihood and a major recreational pursuit that depends on healthy and abundant fisheries."

When the MLPA was originally passed a decade ago, it was estimated that the annual cost of scientific monitoring and enforcement was approximately $250,000. Today the same mandated monitoring and enforcement functions are now forecast to cost the state in excess of $35 million annually.

The PSO will continue to insist that the MLPA be planned and implemented using a scientifically driven, transparent process that meets the requirements of the MLPA in an environment of cooperation. The PSO remains committed to participating in the planning and implementing process to protect California's ocean environment while minimizing unnecessary closures to recreational fishing and boating for the enjoyment of California's residents now and in the future.

Wolford concluded, "Recreational anglers consider ourselves to be the original conservationists which is why we support the objectives of the MLPA and actively support MPA proposals that exceed the conservation objectives of the act, while minimizing the economic impacts they will impose."

California's saltwater recreational fishing community contributes more than $2.2 billion to the state economy annually, including $160 million in state and local taxes and supports nearly 20,000 jobs including many in California's critical tourism industry.

For more information visit [url "http://www.keepamericafishing.org/california.html"]http://www.keepamericafishing.org/california.html[/url].

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Daniel Kramer (916) 941-6102 - [url "mailto:dan@kpastrategies.com"]dan@kpastrategies.com[/url]
Susan Bitar (916) 941-6102 - [url "mailtousan@kpastrategies.com"]susan@kpastrategies.com[/url]
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