From the HASA 2010 Spring Newsletter
The Marine Life Protection Act, a law enacted to place a series of “Marine Reserves” along the
California Coast continues to roll through the North Coast. If you are a member of HASA then
you probably know something about this law and how it may affect your access to local marine
resources like rockfish and abalone. Unfortunately, many people are unaware or are just
finding out what this really means. The residents of Petrolia and the Mattole Valley recently
discovered that their traditional use areas have been targeted for closures. They are now just
starting to get involved.
Since HASA was formed, it has been involved in the MLPA. In fact, HASA has four members on
the Regional Stakeholders Group (RSG) and one member on the Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF).
The RSG members are Ben Doane, Kevin McGrath, Zack Larson and Tim Klassen. The BRTF
member is Jimmy Smith. These are the people representing you within the process.
There are a lot of opportunities for everyone to get involved. Public comment at meetings,
writing letters of concern to the MLPA Initiative and telling your elected officials how you feel
about losing access to your traditional spots.
To learn more about the MLPA or submit comments go to http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/ .
If you have concerns or comments for the regional stakeholders you can pm Ben, Kevin or Tim
through the Humboldt Tuna Club website at www.humboldttuna.com or email Tim Klassen at
reelsteel@humboldt1.com .
The following is a list of upcoming MLPA meetings.
Regional Stakeholder Group
April 20th and 21st in Fort Bragg
May 19th and 20th in Crescent City
Blue Ribbon Task Force
May 3rd and 4th in Crescent City
July 21st and 22nd in Fort Bragg
October 26th – 28th in Eureka
Science Advisory Team
May 12th – webinar
June 29th- 30th in Eureka
July 28th – webinar
The external proposals from local community groups have been submitted and evaluated by
the Science Advisory Team. The April RSG meetings will begin locating the reserves. From that
time until the end of the process this December is when your help and participation will be
most important. We will try to get the word out when help is needed.
Many, if not most of these closures will not allow any fishing, crabbing, abalone diving or any
take of any kind. We will only get one shot at this so everyone’s participation will be crucial.