Need Help Understanding all this/Knowing how to help

[maidendeth13]

Hey,


This may be a kinda stupid question but I've been kinda overwhelmed reading and sorting through all this stuff trying to find current threads and ways to try to keep diving open.

I'm new to this board and spearfishing but have been out a few times and loved it. I'm on the water everyday when I'm home in Costa Mesa (I paddle outrigger canoes) and since joining this site have just started learning about all the MLPA and MPA stuff. I searched and have spent the last few hours here on this site reading these threads and trying to figure out wtf is going on. There were a bunch of threads saying write letters but they were all from a few weeks ago and most of them had dates to send the letters by.

Anyone have time to explain basically what I'm reading here? I only ask b/c I would like to keep spearfishing and beach access open as much as possible and don't wanna see everything get shut down then realize maybe I should have at least tried to help. I'm in Costa Mesa and would do most diving in Laguna as well as La Jolla, Del Mar, and San Luis Obispo).

Thanks

[spearthebigones]

I've got the low down on what's happened so far. Give me a call and I can help answer any questions to the best of my understanding, or just pm Paul rojodiablo (http://www.spearboard.com/member.php?u=4079). As to what's coming to get ready for

September 9-10, 2009
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles
6101 West Century Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90045
September 9: Work Session
September 10: Meeting

That's the stakeholders meeting. The people making the maps. They'll present 3 closure maps, that have increased substantially since last time. But we won't see the exact damage until that date. These maps are practically the final copy of what will be chosen.

As to what we should do, you should go to the meeting and say something, but as to what would be the most effective talking point that I'm unsure about.

[FIT4FISH]

Careful what you ask for. Lots of Info here :D.http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mlpa+101&search_type=&aq=f Thanx for your interest

[maidendeth13]

Careful what you ask for. Lots of Info here :D.http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mlpa+101&search_type=&aq=f Thanx for your interest

That's what I was lookin for. Just watched a few of them. I like the environment and would love for it to be around and all but this isn't how I would like to see some people try to do it. I'd rather see limits reduced or minimum sizes increased, rather than that many f***ng no take zones or even any no take zones almost.

[Kelsea]

Gavin,

Since you started posting, you've tried to familiarize yourself with DFG rules, species ID... and now the very important MLPA. Good show. :cool:

Glad that the videos helped, though some of the info is dated at this point, like the maps, what we are up against is still just as awful.

It can be overwhelming. I hope these additional links help you understand more and also begin to take action - which is what we really need right now:

http://www.keeprockypointopen.com/

This first one was created by our very own Joe Farlo and though it highlights the PV area specifically, it breaks down some of the core problems with the MLPA and gives you tools for taking action in your favorite fishing areas.

http://www.yesfishing.org/

This website is also very helpful and easy to understand.

Also, if you can make the upcoming RSG meeting on Sept 9/10th, introduce yourself and I can give you a number of important topics for speaking points to get your mind wheels turning. The tides have changed a bit since those videos were created.... Often, just coming to these meetings opens your eyes significantly and you may just find the words you need on your own.

[Chris Lupin]

Go to the meetings. Thats the best way to understand. And sit near someone that knows what they are talking about and can answer your questions during the meeting.

[maidendeth13]

I'm racing Catalina to Newport on that weekend and will be over there Friday or Saturday to Sunday, I'll for sure do some research and see if I can't send some letters at least. One of my friends is a marine biologist who does a lot of work locally so I'm gonna see if I can find out what he thinks about these things and see if I can't learn something from him as well. Who does one write to anyways? I'm guessing local representatives or the BRTF somethin?

[maidendeth13]

Also are congressmen involved in this at all or would they have a say? I think my dad is friends with one of the local congressmen from somewhere around this area.

[rojodiablo]

Also are congressmen involved in this at all or would they have a say? I think my dad is friends with one of the local congressmen from somewhere around this area.

I would like to get a few minutes with him; I'd be greatful as all let out if your dad would se that up.....:rolleyes:

[maidendeth13]

I'll double check, asked my mom and apparently they are more acquaintances through some sort of local organization but I'll find out for sure, I think they know each other well enough, the harder part may be explaining that people I've met and been talking to on an internet forum would like to meet and talk with him actually haha.

whats your timeline look like on this rojo? I'm guessing pretty short.

[maidendeth13]

Rojo check your PM's