Senate Appropriations Committee Members
The State of California
Dear Senator,
As a concerned saltwater angler, recreational enthusiast and conservationist
I am writing to urge you that any modifications to Section 1700 of
the Fish and Game Code proposed in AB 1673 needs to be opened up to
public debate and shouldn't be buried in this bill. The impact is
too far ranging and profound to the citizens of the state, ecosystems
and its longterm affect on the state's economy needs to be fully analyzed
before any changes are considered.
While there is a need to move away from MSY management in many instances,
it does not apply to all freshwater areas and it should not apply
where careful planning has not yet been undertaken in marine ecosystems
as provided by the Fishery Management Plans currently being developed
under the MLMA.
I am distressed as a recreational enthusiast that our rights to fish
are methodically being eroded by radical anti-fishing groups and any
debate over these modifications to FCG code, section 1700, clearly
needs to be done in full public view.
One example is as follows.
Fish and Game code Section 1700 currently reads:
“It is hereby declared
to be the policy of the state to encourage the conservation, maintenance,
and utilization of the of the ocean and other waters under the jurisdiction
and influence of the state for the benefit of all citizens of the
state and to promote the development of local fisheries and distant
water fisheries based in California in harmony with international
law respecting fishing and the conservation of living resources of
the oceans and other waters under the jurisdiction and influence of
the state.”
AB1673 proposes to alter the reading and entire state policy to:
“It is hereby declared to be the policy
of the state to encourage the conservation, maintenance, and sustainable
use of inland aquatic living resources for the benefits of all citizens
of the state.”
Again, I urge you as and to hold off on implementing any such drastic
changes to Section 1700 until the public can fully debate the full
ramifications of this alteration.
Sincerely,
Your Full Name:
Auto cc:
United Anglers of Southern California, cc@unitedanglers.com