Open Letter to the Golden Gate Fishermen's Association, Fish Sniffer Online

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Open Letter to the Golden Gate Fishermen's Association

July 23, 2001

Roger Thomas,

As the Marine Life Protection Act nears the end of the workshop/hearing process with the Department of Fish & Game, the deafening silence of the Golden Gate Fishermen's Association regarding the many issues associated with the MLPA has me deeply concerned.

As a group the Golden Gate Fishermen's Association has yet to release a position on area classifications such as Marine Parks/Reserves, and because of those designations the inevitable reduction in fishing grounds will mean some kind of limited access will have to be implemented. Another issue, which your group will have to address before the MLPA process is over, is the increased capacity the Northern California CPFV fleet over the last few years.

The only gauge of the GGFA's position is the testimony provided by your members at the hearings. Bill Smith claimed to be representing over 30 CPFVs at Oakland where he said, "There's plenty of fish out there." And proceeded to call for 15% parks and 15% reserves. The GGFA took some heat for those comments. The following week Bob Ingles assured me Bill was not the spokesman for GGFA and a position paper would be forthcoming. It has been over 3 months and no position has been officially adopted by the GGFA. According to Bob Ingles, "The GGFA has no official position."

Does the GGFA believe the California groundfish fishery is facing a crisis? The Federal and State governments, fishing clubs, conservation groups, dive clubs etc. apparently do or we would not be going through this process.

If you agree the fishery is in trouble, what are the causes?

Your members are on the water every day, and the experience of your group could be a very constructive force to help establish a sustainable fishery.

The issues are complex and cry out for the participation of the GGFA in the MLPA process. Fear of taking a stand because of what the commercial fishermen might do to your member's boats, and caviler attitudes such as "There are plenty of fish out there." Does not represent the best interests of your membership, the best interests of the fishery, or the best interest of your customers for which you are the only way to get on the water.

Note: The Golden Gate Fishermen's Association is an organization comprised of party boat owners and operators based on the coast of Northern California.

Richard Alves