| Protecting Our Oceans |
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NRDC In 2004 Governor Schwarzenegger announced that implementing the MLPA would be one of his top priorities, and in 2005 the state began the implementation process for the central coast from just south of Half Moon Bay to Point Conception. The process includes a blue ribbon task force to develop a framework for implementing the law, a "regional stakeholder group," which developed several different "packages" of protected area sites, an extensive public participation process and an advisory team of biologists, economists and other scientists. The advisory team of scientists determined that one package -- Package 2R --does the best job of meeting the MLPA's goals. Package 2R would strike a balance by placing about a fifth of the central coast's waters in protected areas, leaving more than 80 percent open to fishing. The Fish & Game Commission won't choose a final package until December, but on August 15th the Commission will meet and pick a "preferred" package, putting it on the inside track for December's final decision. == What to do == == Contact information == Michael Flores, President Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger == Sample letter == Subject: Select Package 2R for the Marine Life Protection Act Dear President Flores and Commission members, I urge you to select Package 2R as the state's preferred alternative for implementing the California Marine Life Protection Act. California's coastal waters deserve real protection, and all of us who live, work and play here have a responsibility to see that our coastal communities and marine life thrive for future generations. Marine reserves harbor more and bigger fish, and support a greater diversity of life than fished areas. Today seven kinds of Pacific red snapper are known to be in serious trouble off our coast, and we don't even know the status of many other California fish we eat. We have an extensive system of state parks to protect some of our most important areas on land; it's time we offer the same protection to the ocean. Package 2R would strike a balance by placing about a fifth of the central coast's waters in protected areas, leaving more than 80 percent open to fishing. This would be a long overdue improvement to the current situation, which protects less than four percent of the region. Package 2R received high marks from the Governor's Blue Ribbon Task Force and, according to science advisors, does the best job of meeting the MLPA goals and guidelines of all the current alternatives. The broad coalition that developed Package 2R reflects the many faces of California, including divers, scientists, teachers, fishermen, local business owners and central coast residents. California deserves no less than Package 2R and I hope the commission will select it as the state's preferred alternative. Sincerely, [Your name and address] Please also forward this message to your friends and co-workers who live in California, and urge them to contact the Fish and Game Commission as well. Thank you! ================================================== To update your email address or other information, go to: ========== The Natural Resources Defense Council is a nonprofit environmental organization with 1.2 million members and online activists, and a staff of scientists, attorneys and environmental experts. Our mission is to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things. For more information about NRDC or how to become a member of NRDC, please contact us at: Natural Resources Defense Council Also visit: For your information, your Earth Action subscription number is 2081489 (you do not need this information to unsubscribe). |