Response from Surfrider #2

[klynds]

Joe is the California Policy Coordinator for SR. I deleted his number out of respect for his privacy, but there will be future dialogue with them and hopefully we will have a voice within some of these organizations. His letter and my response are below.

Kevin,

Thanks for writing us directly with your question and concern.

First, I apologize for the link being taken down from the website. It was not a position paper, it was more of an information piece explaining the MLPA process for our members. However, it was written several years ago when the State was in the process of implementing the MLPA statewide. So, much of the information was outdated.

Surfrider Foundation will be participating in the implementation of the MLPA in southern California. However, we have not taken a position on any specific areas like those you mentioned in your message.

Like you, most of our membership are active ocean sports enthusiasts and have a direct interest in how this law is implemented. We are most interested in reaching out to people just like you to ensure that the multiple goals of the MLPA are met with the least displacement of current uses as possible. In fact, we see our uniqueness of being an environmental organization made up of diverse ocean enthusiasts as offering us an opportunity to play a unique role in the implementation of the MLPA. We hope to reach out to people just like you and your diving colleagues to create a conduit of communication with other environmental organizations.

It is our hope, and my job, to facilitate that dialogue. Because you have written, I would very much like to speak with you in more detail about your concerns.

I am leaving today and will be out of the country until January 9. But, you are welcome to call me any time after that. Or, if you would prefer, I can call whenever it’s convenient for you. My phone number is (310) xxx-xxxx.

I hope to speak with you soon. Again, thanks for writing us.

Sincerely, Joe

Joe Geever

Surfrider Foundation

California Policy Coordinator


Joe,
Thanks for your response and please feel free to give me a call when you get back. I am interested in more dialogue and feel that surfer's have a great advocate through you guys. Spearfishing is a small tribe (compared to surfing) and doesn't have as much of a voice, but I think you would find that those that freedive and spearfish are just as interested in not only the preservation of natural habitats and clean water, but also in the preservation of marine wildlife for future enjoyment. I can tell you as someone who partakes in both sports, that like surfing, spearfishing is a lifestyle. You will find that most people that spearfish are some of the most nature conscious people around that have a true respect for the ocean and its inhabitants, and again talking from experience, that nature conscious attitude and respect only grows with maturity and experience in the sport.

Please give me a call when you return at 619.253.1412.

Have a safe and Happy New Year.

Kevin Lynds

[Kingspear]

It's nice that he is willing to speak to you in person about our concerns. I would suggest you prepair yourself for the converstation with facts and numbers so you can be effective. Or even schedule a conference call with him and other educated spearo's like Dave that have valuble information to share.

[undrH2Ohntr]

Sounds like a good connection and a potential voice. I hope you can find the time to be a point man on this and gain a potential ally in our fight.

[Bulit7]

Glad to see that there are people out there that represent us in a positive manner. Keep up the good work guys.

[Seacidal]

Kevin,

Thank you for your efforts in approaching Surfrider and discussing the issues with them. As I have tried to get across to divers across the country, it is important that we not rush to label groups as "enemies" unless and until we have had thorough rational discussions of the issues that we are facing.

It's amazing sometimes where you might find alliances. Too often, advocacy groups rush in beating their chests and pointing fingers at those who won't support their every wish. The damage done by such irresponsible actions is long term and even at times, irreparable.

Our world is a crowded place, with many overlapping interest groups. It's worthwhile to consider your statements carefully, for you never know if the group you are insulting today might have been capable of creating a mutually beneficial alliance. Why make more enemies? It may only isolate us, and leave us out in the cold.

My congratulations and appreciation, Kevin, for your diplomatic and rational approach to this matter. Thanks! Our sport needs more ambassadors like you!

[Durango]

Originally Posted by Seacidal

Kevin,

Thank you for your efforts in approaching Surfrider and discussing the issues with them. As I have tried to get across to divers across the country, it is important that we not rush to label groups as "enemies" unless and until we have had thorough rational discussions of the issues that we are facing.

It's amazing sometimes where you might find alliances. Too often, advocacy groups rush in beating their chests and pointing fingers at those who won't support their every wish. The damage done by such irresponsible actions is long term and even at times, irreparable.

Our world is a crowded place, with many overlapping interest groups. It's worthwhile to consider your statements carefully, for you never know if the group you are insulting today might have been capable of creating a mutually beneficial alliance. Why make more enemies? It may only isolate us, and leave us out in the cold.

My congratulations and appreciation, Kevin, for your diplomatic and rational approach to this matter. Thanks! Our sport needs more ambassadors like you!

Wow Chip you can be so DEEP!

[zenspearo]

Great job Kevin. Thanks for the effort. We can use more alliances or at least fewer enemies in this process.