Posted by Eric Frasco on July 11, 2001 at 15:31:44:
In Reply to: awww, whatsa matter? our wittle dive trip get cancelled? posted by mike on July 11, 2001 at 12:51:10:
Mike:
Have you looked at the maps? Perhaps it is just me, but it seems that there is a significant lack of estuary regions designated in the initial proposed areas.
What you have to remember is that we are not only the folks that have to tell DFG how much we do or don't like their plan, but we also have to provide oversight - we have to be the ones that say whether or not the right areas have been designated. And that is a lot to expect of non-FISHERIES BIOLOGISTS.
And finally, there are a lot of jaded individuals in the community that have seen years and years of DFG efforts fail to produce the anticipated results, and merely look at this as a means for DFG employees to give themselves some job security.
In my opinion, this is a whole new ball game. It is time to give DFG a chance to get the MLPA to work. But let's also make sure that we don't get ourselves into a situation where these areas are permanantly and forever converted to areas where only marine biologists and DFG employees can have access.
Point Lobos is a case in point. You cannot just show up and have access. It is very tightly controlled. Do we want to have that kind of regulation in the 10% of the coastline that is coincidently where all the best diving is?
-Eric-