FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Sandy Cooney 916-653-9402 Mike Wintemute 916 651-6443 Sept. 24, 2004
California Resources Agency Secretary Mike Chrisman Announces Marine Life Protection Act Blue Ribbon Task Force
Task Force Chair Phil Isenberg welcomes members, public input, foresees productive work ahead
SACRAMENTO - California Resources Agency Secretary Mike Chrisman today announced the selection of eight members to join Chair Phil Isenberg on the California Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Blue Ribbon Task Force. The nine-member panel will work with the Department of Fish and Game to improve the state's system of marine protected areas through scientific analysis and expanded public input. "This group represents a wide range of perspectives and is highly regarded for having good judgment," said Chrisman. "Their track record of results and breadth of experience in statewide and national policymaking is going to play a huge role in the success of this effort," he added. "This group has been assembled to look objectively at the history, the science related to marine protected areas and the process to ensure that it remains open, will be accessible and is considerate of all viewpoints." Secretary Chrisman has charged Task Force members with four specific goals:
Oversee preparation of a statewide guide for developing a marine protected area master plan.
Create a pilot project, in an area along the central coast, which will identify potential networks of marine protected areas.
Develop a strategy for long-term MLPA funding.
Make recommendations for improved coordination of marine protected areas with key federal agencies.
Chair Isenberg said, "We have a lot of work ahead of us, but with this collection of talented people the process should be thorough, fair and productive. All of us look forward to beginning our deliberations next month, and talking about the steps that lie ahead to meet the objectives set out by the Secretary." The first meeting of the task force is scheduled for Oct. 23 and 24 in Sacramento. Department of Fish and Game Director Ryan Broddrick, who will appoint a scientific advisory team to assist the task force, said peer review is essential. "The Department of Fish and Game will work with the task force and science team in developing a draft marine protected area master plan. We will draw on this expertise and advice for our proposals to the Fish and Game Commission that ultimately has the decision-making authority for the MLPA."
The science advisory team will include the participation of key state agencies and scientists knowledgeable in marine ecology, fisheries science, marine protected areas, economics and the social sciences. The MLPA Initiative depends on the active involvement of stakeholders and the general public to succeed. Various opportunities will be available for such involvement, including meetings of the task force and science advisory team that will be open to the public. The current initiative is possible through the efforts of private and government partners who are providing funding and in-kind services. These include: the California Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Game, Resources Legacy Fund Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and MPA Science Institute of the National Marine Protected Areas Center. The California Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Blue Ribbon Task Force members:
Phillip L. Isenberg (Chairman), Attorney at Law, Miller, Owen and Trost and former California State Assembly Member
Dr. Fernando J. Guerra, Director of the Center for the Study of Los Angeles at Loyola Marymount University
William W. Anderson, President of Westrec Marina Management, Inc.
Meg Caldwell, Director and Lecturer on Law at Stanford Law School's Environment and Natural Resources Law & Policy Program
Ann D'Amato, Chief of Staff to City of Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo
Susan Golding, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Golding Group and former mayor of San Diego
Dr. Jane G. Pisano, President and Director of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Catherine Reheis-Boyd, Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff for the Western States Petroleum Association
Douglas P. Wheeler, Partner at Hogan & Hartson, LLP in Washington, DC and former California Resources Agency Secretary
For more information about the Task Force members, their first meeting, or the MLPA Initiative, please visit the Department of Fish and Game's MLPA Initiative website at www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/mlpa