Partnership for Sustainable Oceans Calls for Angler

[spectr17]

Partnership for Sustainable Oceans Calls for Angler Participation In Vital MLPA Survey on Recreational Fishing

6/24/08

Sacramento, California - The Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO) has called on Southern California recreational fishermen and boaters to participate in a survey to determine where recreational anglers fish along the south coast of California.

This survey, conducted on behalf of the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative (MLPAI), is designed to provide important socioeconomic information for the implementation of the MLPA.

The purpose of the survey is to incorporate recreational fishermen's knowledge into the deliberations of the Regional Stakeholder Group in the MLPA South Coast Study Region, develop accurate maps of the local recreational fishing grounds and characterize their relative importance to recreational fishermen. The information will assist the local fishermen on the Regional Stakeholder Group in protecting recreational fishing access to the most important areas.

To register for participation in the survey, visit http://www.ecotrust.org/mlpa/interview_signup. You may also register by contacting Jon Bonkoski at (503) 467-0804.

"This kind of information on recreational fisheries will ensure representation of recreational values in the design, implementation, and management of marine protected areas," said Jim Klark, of the Southern California Marine Association, a member of the PSO. "Participation is vital to ensure that the areas anglers' value the most remain open to recreational fishing."

During the summer months of 2008 (June through August) Ecotrust, the firm conducting the survey, will administer both in-person interviews and a web-based survey to interview approximately 700 recreational fishermen and boaters along the south coast of California. For the in-person interviews, Ecotrust personnel will contact fishermen directly and arrange for interviews. Individual responses from participants will remain anonymous and confidential. Only the collective data will be shared with the members of the Regional Stakeholder Group.

For frequent updates about the PSO's efforts on behalf of recreational fishermen within the MLPA process, please visit http://www.keepamericafishing.org.

Members of the PSO include the American Sportfishing Association, Coastside Fishing Club, Kayak Fishing Association of California, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Northern California Kayak Anglers, Southern California Marine Association, Sportfishing Association of California, and United Anglers of Southern California.

Media Contact:
Daniel Kramer (916) 941-6102 - dan@kpastrategies.com

Susan Bitar (916) 941-6102 - susan@kpastrategies.com

[Val]

The DF&G is just a front for the lunatic fringe environmentalist. We tell them where we fish and that's the areas they'll close. Commercial fishermen catch over 90% of the fish yet they still have to punish the Sports Fishermen. There are just to many people in this world and they're eating all the fish. If they were truly interested in sustaining the fisheries they need to cut down on commercial fishing.