Statement Regarding MLPA Initiative's Newest MLPA Stakeholder Group Members

MLPA Initiative Executive Director Ken Wiseman today announced Noyo Harbor Commissioner Jim Burns and Albion Campground owner Bruce Campbell have been named to the MLPA North Coast Regional Stakeholder Group. The group is responsible for developing recommendations for alternative marine protected areas (MPA) to help the State of California implement the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA).

MLPA California Department of Fish and Game Director John McCamman and MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force Chair Cindy Gustafson appointed the newest members of the stakeholder group, which brings the group to a total of 34 residents of Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino counties. The MLPA North Coast Study Region encompasses state waters from the California-Oregon border to Alder Creek near Point Arena in Mendocino County.

"These appointments were made in responsive to the Mendocino Board of Supervisors request for more representation in the Noyo Harbor and Albion areas, said Wiseman. "Both stakeholders were selected based upon their commitment to collaboratively work with diverse interests to develop alternative MPA proposals for the north coast."

Campbell, who was involved in the external MPA array process, will represent recreational fishing and the interests of the Albion region. Burns will represent both large boat and small boat operators in Mendocino County.

The stakeholder group will work with a blue ribbon task force, science advisory team, and MLPA staff to help California improve the design and management of the north coast portion of a statewide network of marine protected areas. Members of the stakeholder group are intended to ensure that multiple perspectives are heard in the MLPA Initiative's marine protected area planning process.

The next meeting of the north coast regional stakeholder group will be held on Wednesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 25, 2010 in Crescent City. The next MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force meeting is March 1-2, 2010 in Fort Bragg; Monday, March 1 will be held at the C.V. Starr Community Center (300 S. Lincoln Street) and Tuesday, March 2 is a field trip in the Fort Bragg and Mendocino areas.