Partnership for Sustainable Oceans Calls for Angler Participation
In Vital MLPA Survey on Recreational Fishing
The Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO) calls on Northern California recreational fishermen and boaters to participate in an important survey to determine where recreational anglers fish along the north coast of California . This survey, conducted on behalf of the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative (MLPAI), is designed to provide vital information for the implementation of the MLPA in the North Coast Study Region. The study region covers from Alder Creek (near Point Arena) north to the Oregon border.

The purpose of the survey is to incorporate recreational fishermen's knowledge into the deliberations of the Regional Stakeholder Group in the MLPA North Coast Study Region, develop accurate maps of the local recreational fishing grounds and characterize their relative importance to recreational fishermen. The information will assist the local fishermen on the Regional Stakeholder Group in protecting recreational fishing access in the most important areas.

To register for the survey, visit www.ecotrust.org/mlpa/interviewsignup. Anglers may also contact Jon Bonkoski at (503) 807-1660. Follow ing registration, anglers will be sent an email with a link to the online survey once it is ready or will be contacted by phone to set up an interview.

While completion of the survey is an investment of time, the results are vital in the effort to preserve fishermen's access to public coastal waters.

The survey may be completed either online or in-person interviews, but anglers must first register online. The PSO urges anglers to take advantage of in-person interviews.

Individual responses from participants will remain anonymous and confidential. Only the collective data will be shared with the members of the Regional Stakeholder Group.

For frequent updates about the PSO's efforts on behalf of recreational fishermen within the MLPA process, please visit www.keepamericafishing.org.