September 29, 2009

The Chamber supports the protection of our environment and our oceans while also protecting our region’s fishing and tourism industries.  A hearing will be held on Tuesday, October 6, at 9:30 AM on the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) regarding marine protected area evaluation methods for the South Coast Region.

While the MLPA (http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa) strives to protect California’s marine ecosystems, the Chamber is concerned that the MLPA mandate to set aside marine protected areas (or specifically close selected areas of the ocean to fishing and other recreational uses) will have unintended, negative consequences to sports-fishing and other marine-related industries - including boat and trailer rentals, equipment, fishing tackle and boat maintenance shops.  Many of these businesses cater to tourism, one of our region’s key industries.

It is important to consider the economic impact of such closures on our sports fishing and tourism industries before moving forward, especially in these challenging economic times.  Therefore, the Chamber urges the Department of Fish and Game to carefully consider these potential serious economic impacts and attempt to find a workable balance that protects the ocean environment as well as the livelihood of our sports-fishing and marine industries as it moves forward with the implementation of the Marine Life Protection Act.