| PUBLIC FORUM
Tom Hafer discussed aspects of the MLPA monitoring plan and recommended that fixed gear surveys be used to monitor the nearshore. He summarized the Cal Poly fish tagging project he has been participating in for the last three years and emphasized the importance of utilizing fishermen to collaborate with scientists in monitoring efforts.
Bill James indicated that he had recently sent a letter to the Commission on the effects of different gear types on trip limits and asked if there were any questions. He also thanked Commissioner Flores for his dedication to fisheries issues and presented him with an award in honor of his last Commission meeting.
Zeke Grader congratulated Commissioner Hattoy and thanked Commissioner Flores for his service to the Commission. He requested that the Commission agendize halibut trawl fishery issues in Monterey Bay as well as the Department’s MOU regarding incidental take of Coho salmon in the Klamath River.
Rick Risso had questions about a potential closure of the Monterey Bay to halibut trawl fishing. He requested that the Commission agendize the issue.
Chris Voss discussed the Department’s management of commercial fisheries and requested that future efforts resulting from the MLPA be focused on fishery management and collaboration with the industry instead of fisheries science.
Giovanni Aiello requested that the Commission reconsider their recent denial of his commercial fishing permit.
Jim Martin thanked Chief Nancy Foley and Julie Oltmann for their assistance in crafting legislative language which would increase the penalties for abalone and sturgeon violations.
Brian Batemen expressed his opposition to the recent regulatory changes which opened the East Walker River, Upper Owens River and Hot Creek to year round fishing. He indicated his concern that the locals were not sufficiently notified of the potential changes to sport fishing regulations.
Bill Nichols and Tim Alpers supported Mr. Batemen’s comments.
Dennis Byrne supported Mr. Batemen’s comments and requested a closure to the Pismo Clam fishery.
Commissioners discussed the issue and agreed to add an item to the Commission's July agenda, to continue discussions regarding the regulatory changes to the East Walker , Upper Owens River and Hot Creek.
Joe Penisi requested that the potential closure of the Monterey Bay to halibut trawl fishing be agendized at the Commission’s meeting in Bodega Bay .
Mike McCorkle supported Mr. Penisi’s request.
Tom Raftican discussed the Halibut Trawl legislation and requested legal analysis of how it affects the fishery in Monterey Bay .
Santi Roberts commented that tourism in the Monterey Bay is approximately 30 times the value of the commercial fisheries in the area and that bottom trawling does put valuable resources at risk, even in sandy habitat.
Ben Taylor discussed salmon snagging in the Smith River. He requested the Commission adopt regulations prohibiting stationary gear.
Deputy Attorney General Cunningham responded that the Commission recently amended its regulations regarding method of take so that it specifically prohibits snagging, long lining and tight lining as fish caught by these methods would be “foul hooked.”
Chief Nancy Foley indicated that she was aware of the snagging in this area as well as all over the state. She emphasized that snagging is currently illegal and recent changes in regulation should assist in prosecuting violations in court.
Commissioner Gustafson suggested that perhaps this issue be discussed further at the Al Taucher Advisory Committee.
Eric Mills discussed the lack of wardens in the state as well as the eradication of African Clawed frogs in Golden Gate Park. He asked that the eradication of the frogs be placed on the Commission’s agenda as the City has taken no action.
Chris Parish discussed the Condor Recovery program in Arizona and the monitoring of lead exposure in the birds since they began self foraging. He provided the Commission with an informational packet discussing ammunition fragmentation in deer as well as Arizona’s non-lead bullet program.
Walt Mansell distributed copies of the CA Rifle and Pistol Association’s annual booklet on gun laws.
Dick Dasmann discussed ways the Department could improve the effectiveness of its public notification program. He also discussed the shortage of hardcopy hunting regulations available to the public.
Bill Ward supported halibut trawl fishing in Monterey Bay and the request to agendize the item.
Paul Weakland requested that the Commission agendize withering syndrome, opening an abalone fishery in the bay area, and sea otters. |
