The MPA controversy

[Don Paul]

I would like the moderators at DB not to delete this thread and I ask all to be civil.
Thank you, Don Paul

 

[kelp princess]

Mermaidgirl and Ivo, let me first say a huge thanks for shouting out on my behalf and having my back.:thankyou

There are clearly many different (and often dissenting) opinions on marine protected areas - hopefully the conversation will continue to evolve to a place where more often than not people are actually listening to one another and gain some perspective.

Bill and Don Paul it is good to hear what your experience(s) have been. I am glad to hear that there is an abundance of large lobster, and I know very well about the tasty WSB as my SoCal friends bring it up to Norcal every year for our annual ab &fish fest. I also wish the process in CA was actually able to address water quality Bill, but sadly there is more bureaucracy and red tape than you can shake a stick at, to try to achieve anything.

Don Paul, you're right that I could have done a much better job in representing the concept of the before and after trophy fish (a place specific set of examples would have avoided what is being interpreted as disingenuous) ---ahhhh life is in the editing. (the black seabass photo was used mostly because of its archival quality and i find it was compelling - i like the spearfisherman next to him...)

The only thing I want to clarify that people have def. confused is that there are no lionfish in that slide show - I don't know how that started but I'm guessing (people in haste) mistook a giant KELP FISH (shot from the back under side on one of the slides) as the aforementioned invasive species - the Kelp fish in the photo is not invasive -- it is very much a local critter.

Kp

 

[Ethan kills]

Mermaidgirl and Ivo, let me first say a huge thanks for shouting out on my behalf and having my back.:thankyou

There are clearly many different (and often dissenting) opinions on marine protected areas - hopefully the conversation will continue to evolve to a place where more often than not people are actually listening to one another and gain some perspective.

Bill and Don Paul it is good to hear what your experience(s) have been. I am glad to hear that there is an abundance of large lobster, and I know very well about the tasty WSB as my SoCal friends bring it up to Norcal every year for our annual ab &fish fest. I also wish the process in CA was actually able to address water quality Bill, but sadly there is more bureaucracy and red tape than you can shake a stick at, to try to achieve anything.

Don Paul, you're right that I could have done a much better job in representing the concept of the before and after trophy fish (a place specific example) ---ahhhh life is in the editing.

The only thing I want to clarify that people have def. confused is that there are no lionfish in that slide show - I don't know how that started but perhaps people mistook the Sculpin (shot from the back under side on one of the slides) as the aforementioned invasive species - the fish in the photo is not.

Kp

There is a picture in the slide show in which none are local species. Also, black sea bass have been protected since the early 80's and I see them all the time. What do they have to do with the mlpa? I also see lobsters as big( or bigger) than the ones in your slide show every season. So what gives?

 

[JMaloney]

I agree with Ethan. there are serious mistakes in the article and slide show. In addition, the article got coverage in a lot of mainstream media outlets and that itself helps promote an agenda, I assume NRDC's agenda, that is NOT IN LINE with most Californian's. In addition, this campaign of misinformation, whether intentional or not, is an affront to the good management work that DFG & others engage in. I am not personally attacking anyone. I think all of us sportsmen, spearfishers, anglers and others are DISGUSTED that enviro groups use money, misinformation, along with bad or total lack of science to push an agenda that is seriously out of line with THE MAJORITY of California citizens.
My suggestion, if any person or group feels there are problems on land or sea then you should complain to the managing agency. Going around the will of the people and plying politicians with money to push your agenda or your groups agenda IS NOT what America is supposed to be. Closing any area permanently is NOT a management solution. It is a bald faced attempt to force your wishes on the majority of other citizens and that ain't right!
People in positions of influence such as the NRDC and other enviro groups do much good work. It's things like the MPA that get us all riled up because when it goes bad and against the will of the people, it goes really bad. If you or anyone else wants to shut down parts of the ocean or California in the name of conservation then put it on the ballot and let the people vote or butt out of politics and let DFG do their job and manage the resource. That truly is the only fair and honorable thing to do.

 

[rogerkamp8817]

No, it is not different at all.
I was in Greece - population 11,319,048
California population 36,961,664
additionally we sell fish from california to the rest of inland US( pop. 307,056,550) and all over the world( pop, 8 billion)-- do you see the problem ???

Yes, i see the problem. however, the problem isn't the recreational spear fishermen.

There are major issues with this article and the whole MLPA process. All we get as a response is "oops, i should have edited it better".