Two critical Southern California meetings are coming up that will give saltwater anglers an opportunity to be heard by the California Fish and Game Commission as it considers potential expansion of coastal Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
The first is May 5-6 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 6878 Hollister Ave. in Goleta. The other is May 19 at the Holiday Inn Express, 35 Via Pico Plaza in San Clemente. All start at 8 am. You can also attend and provide public comment remotely. To learn how, visit fgc.ca.gov.
“These represent prime opportunities to weigh in on the various MPA petitions under consideration by the Commission,” says Tonie Bangos, regional director for the Coastal Conservation Association of California, who will also be providing public comment on behalf of the saltwater sportfishing community.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has already officially recommended that the Commission deny the non-tribal petitions currently before it. “Those recommendations are rooted in sound science and a thorough evaluation process,” Bangos says. “CCA Cal strongly encourages the Commission to follow the Department’s guidance and reject the non-tribal petitions.”
CCA Cal emphasizes that the tone of comments matters in this process. “Any negative or insensitive comments directed at the Commission are ultimately detrimental to progress,” Bangos explains. “Constructive engagement is what leads to sound outcomes, and we encourage all speakers to remain respectfully focused on solutions.
“Ultimately, we encourage anglers and others to stand with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and support its recommendations that are based on science-based fishery management that ensures both conservation of marine resources and access to them for generations to come.”
Visit ccacalifornia.org/MPAs to learn more.
