Regional Stakeholder Group Update 12/18/07

I was selected as a member of the Regional Stakeholder Group (RSG) for the North Central Coast section between Half Moon Bay and Point Arena.  We are charged with developing an MPA network plan to submit to the California Fish and Game Commission for consideration next year.  The RSG represents a broad range of interests, such as commercial and sport fishermen, divers, conservationists and government agencies. Other West Marin stakeholder group members include Josh Churchman, Don Neubacher, Rick Johnson, and Tom Baty.

Between May and November we have participated in twelve days of meetings and countless additional hours of research, analysis and gatherings with constituents. During this time the RSG negotiated on regional goals and objectives, consulted with leading scientists on the best considerations for developing our proposals and helped create a Regional Profile of the North Central Coast.  The regional profile is a very informative read for anyone interested in learning more about the biological and cultural resources of North Central California.

But the fall season has been the most challenging, time consuming and exciting, as we were broken into three sub-groups (Jade, Emerald and Torqoise) to negotiate the development of draft Marine Protected Area proposals for analysis by our Scientific Advisory Team and the state appointed Blue Ribbon Task Force.

After three rounds of negotiations and analysis, the three subgroups were successful in creating four proposals for consideration. After the proposals have been vetted by the Scientific Advisory Team and others this winter, the RSG will participate in one more round of meetings to fine tune the proposals. While the process has at times been difficult, it will help ensure that the final plan is one that is representative of the many different uses of our ocean.

Thanks to the competent people chosen for the RSG, I am optimistic that a plan will emerge that provides real conservation benefit while ensuring adequate access for commercial fishing and recreation. I believe that when people look back decades from now, the Marine Life Protection Act will likely be seen as the conservation success story of the 21st century in California. I feel honored and fortunate to participate and I hope that more people in West Marin will choose to get involved. I will be giving presentations on the Marine Life Protection Act throughout Marin County in January and February.

For more information of the North Central Coast process, click here.