MBNMS SAC Meeting Minutes April 7th, 2006

MONTEREY BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY
ADVISORY COUNCIL

DRAFT
April 7, 2006
Salinas Community Center
Salinas, CA

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) Advisory Council met on Friday, April 7, 2006, in Salinas, California. Public categories and government agencies were present as indicated:

The following non-voting members were present as indicated:

• Channel Islands NMS: Michael Murray - ABSENT
• Gulf of the Farallones NMS: Brian Johnson
• Cordell Bank NMS: Dan Howard - ABSENT
• Elkhorn Slough NERR: Becky Christensen - ABSENT
• Monterey Bay NMS: Karen Grimmer
• U.S. Coast Guard: LT Todd Moe - ABSENT

Alternates present in audience:

• Robert Frischmuth - At-Large
• Cindy Walter - At-Large
• Harriet Middledorf - At-Large
• David Crabbe - Commercial Fishing

I. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, APPROVAL OF MINUTES

WELCOME
Mayor Anna Caballero, welcomed the Advisory Council to the Salinas Community Center.

APPROVAL OF 2/6/06 DRAFT MEETING NOTES

MOTION: (Passed)
The Advisory Council adopted the minutes from the February 6, 2006 Sanctuary Advisory Council meeting with the following changes:

Change in announcements (Gulf of Farallones) of figure from $500, to $500,000

Motion introduced by Chris Harrold , seconded by Dan Haifley
(Vote: 16 in favor, 0 opposed, 0 abstentions)

SWEAR-IN OF ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBER DAVID CRABBE (COMMERCIAL FISHING)

II. ELECTION OF ADVISORY COUNCIL CHAIR AND SECRETARY

• Chair nomination for Deborah Streeter by Chris Harrold, second by Russ Jeffries.
• Deborah Streeter re-elected as Chair.
• Secretary nomination for Kaitilin Gaffney by Russ Jeffries, second by Mike Laffen.
• Kaitilin Gaffney re-elected as Secretary.

III. POSSIBLE CHANGE IN ADVISORY COUNCIL SCHEDULE

Input was requested for possible date changes to Advisory Council meetings. A chart indicating preferences was passed out.

Howard Egan (Recreational Fishing) discussed the conflict with Fish and Game meetings.

Deborah Streeter (Chair/ At-Large) discussed keeping June meeting in first Friday, but switching August meeting to the 18th and asked if it was necessary to look forward to February, if this should be permanent.

Karen Grimmer (MBNMS Superintendent) said the Council could plan at the end of the year for next year’s calendar.

Deborah asked if we were moving toward a consensus of the 3rd Friday starting August 18th with June staying the same? Affirmative response. December was still unclear whether 8th or 15th (Brian Johnson GFNMS).

**Action Item**
MOTION: (Passed)
The Advisory Council moved to reschedule Advisory Council meetings to 3rd Friday starting August of this through August of next year.

Motion introduced by Dan Haifley, seconded by PJ Webb
(Vote: All in favor, 0 opposed, 0 abstentions)

IV. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

Sam Farr representative Bonnie Van Hise, with D.C. provided the following updates:

1. News on the Resources Committee: Two bills are in process. First, the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) House (Pombo) bill of March 28 is trying to get the fishing committee on board with his bill. She said the Gilchrest bill (March 30) is a more environmentally friendly bill.
2. Bonnie announced the emergence of a National Marine Sanctuary Caucus in the House.
3. Finally, she discussed the decision on the future of the Salmon fishing season, which should be made today. Establishing the allowable take at 50% of 2004 numbers. NOAA however, wants no take leaving a possible compromise at 25%.

Tom Canale (Commercial Fishing Primary) mentioned Salmon Fishing Bill was dependent on the Department of Commerce as well.

Cindy Walter (At-Large Alternate) told the Council a mural would be painted at the NOAA NMFS Pacific Grove Lab to generate awareness to sustainability and sustainable seafood. Public Service Announcements are circulating locally regarding Blue Fin Tuna and Leatherback Turtle awareness. Cindy is going to Hopkins Marine Station today in hopes of creating more PSAs.

V. PRESENTATION OF COMMERCIAL FISHING – TROLL FISHERIES

David Crabbe (Commercial Fishing Alternate) gave an interesting and well-received presentation on the Wet Fish Fishing Industry. The focus was on commercial squid fishing, with some information also provided on commercial fishing activities related to sardines and anchovies. The presentation included natural history information and primary fishing grounds, descriptions of fishing techniques related to purse-seine vessels, harvest characteristics, and management measures. Historical photos, anecdotes, and charts were included. (PDF of PowerPoint 1.3MB)

Tom Canale prepared a presentation on the Troll Fishing industry but felt it inappropriate to present with the current Salmon fishery closure issue. He instead read an editorial written from Fisherman’s News by Chronicle Writer Glenn Martin opposing Salmon fishery closures that will be published this month. Tom discussed the impacts of this situation as devastating to both commercial and recreational fishermen. He feels the system has failed and turned into one of politics.

Following the presentations, Advisory Council members offered the following comments, questions, and concerns:

• The governmental approach to resolving this issue lacks a long-term view and all parties were victims in this case.
• How do we feel about these educational presentations? Should they be done differently, are they effective/ useful?
• The presentations are incredibly useful and worthwhile.
• Will it be difficult to have presenters as thorough and comfortable as David Crabbe who spoke today, to discuss such obscure topics?

This was the first of a series of proposed educational briefings by Advisory Council members and most members said they found it useful as background information and general education and as an important investment in building the Advisory Council's knowledge base. Several Advisory Council members suggested that it would be helpful in future briefings to identify link with the management plan (if applicable) and that any policy associated discussions should be separated and at a later date so to avoid presentations being slanted in a particular direction.

VI. NOAA CONSULTATION DOCUMENT DISCUSSION

The following comments were discussed regarding the NOAA Consultation Document and whether or not to submit comments:

• This is very tedious and difficult to go over and comment on with the multitude of charts and graphs and arrows. Therefore, did not comment as a sort of protest.
• This is a very complex document and series of charts, graphs, etc. Perhaps we need to come up with something simpler. This is the result of creating a unified approach for all the parties within NOAA that this document speaks for. A better document for internal review, but something simpler and shorter is needed for instance, when addressing Congress or outside parties.
• Policy considerations for internal analysis is very important and this document doesn’t clearly address this.
• If Advisory Council decides not to send in a comment letter would you send your comments alone?
• We could take whatever comments we receive and send them.

Paul Reilly’s comments were posted for discussion.

• These are big picture issues. Paul Reilly and Chris Harrold provided comments to MBNMS. Paul wanted his comments to be used only internally as a guide to having the document created in a more understandable, readable format. Anyone else is welcome to send comments to be forwarded on by the MBNMS.

VII. PROGRAM UPDATES

Karen: The San Simeon Coastal Discovery Center dedication event is coming up soon. We are Planing for a July 22nd dedication event. At present exhibits are being furnished and final touches are going in. There will be exhibits, games, kayaking, and a possible Hearst Castle tour.

The Fulmar christening event is coming up sometime in August with a possible short VIP tour of Monterey Bay.

Late July, possibly August for Management Plan hearings.

The Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation (MBSF) has recently undertaken a strategic planning process and adopted a few major initiatives. SIMoN, Water Quality, MERITO, and a Major Donor Program. However, the MBSF is not offering an entry-level membership at this point.
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is working to help our budget. There is an opportunity to make donations to specific Sanctuaries. They are also organizing Oceans Week, which is an expert panel to exchange information concerning ocean literacy, stewardship, etc.

VIII. LUNCH

IX. ANNOUNCE FIELD TRIP PLANS AND PLAN FOR FUTURE FIELD TRIPS

Chris Harrold: On May 5th, we will have a private tour of Hopkins Marines Station – Harbor Seals are rearing their pups. *RSVP Notice: about 2 weeks ahead of time for number of participants interested.

The next three proposed field trips are:

1. July 21st - Point Sur Light Station historical walking 3-hour tour (Robert Frischmuth)
2. September 15th – Possible Private Fulmar Tour (MBNMS)
3. November 17th – Elkhorn Slough Tour (Safari Boat cruise – consult w/ Becky Christensen and check Advisory Council budget).
4. October 19-20 Sanctuary Advisory Council retreat with focus on release of MBNMS Management Plan.

Advisory Council members comments:

• We should discuss Sanctuary Currents event.

The awards reception the night before was an astounding event. Sanctuary Currents was also a successful event. It was different this year as community members shared their views in a panel and typically it is comprised of only scientists. One thing we could do better on is poster session. We didn’t have enough posters, and thought by selling food and beer it would help, but it wasn’t enough. We need to figure out a way to increase numbers for poster session.

X. REVIEW OF EMERGING ISSUES ACTION PLAN AND APPLICATION TO ARTIFICIAL REEFS

Holly Price presentation (PowerPoint)
Dr. Holly Price, MBNMS Resource Protection Coordinator, gave a power point presentation on the sanctuary's Emerging Issues Action Plan, which will be past of the site's new management plan. While a low priority compared to the site's other action plans, it will serve as an early warning system for flagging new and emerging issues that are not currently identified. One such issue that has arisen is a recent inquiry by members of the dive community who are interested in creating an artificial reef within the MBNMS for the purpose of attracting fish and enhancing diving opportunities. The proposal would involve sinking a large, retired military vessel within the sanctuary. MBNMS staff have met with the proponents of this initiative, explained the permit process and informed them as to the challenges in getting a project like this approved. Advisory Council members expressed both concerns about and interest in the proposal. Proponents have not yet formally applied for a permit and the Advisory Council discussion was preliminary, with future discussions likely. (PDF of PowerPoint 252KB)

Following the presentation advisory council members commented on concerns in favor of and against the placement of an artificial reef in the Sanctuary. Some of the comments regarded the possibility of it being a way to generate revenue, worries of placing an artificial reef in an MPA, the benefits to both fishermen and divers, concern with artificial reefs as an effective method of fish attraction, and concern over the issue of debris removal often associated with wrecks

Next steps involve following the process, an EIS, and an information review and updating this issue with the Advisory Council.

XI. OCEAN LITERACY/OCEAN COMMUNICATORS WORKSHOP

Steve Clark (Education Alternate) Presenting:
Steve introduced the idea and some of the initial work being done to get ocean concepts into geography and science standards and into the classroom. In particular, he introduced two brochures which identify the critical subject matter, skills and perspectives that students should master in both geographic and ocean literacy. These were developed during a 2002 online conference of participants from schools, research institutes, sanctuaries, and colleges. This is a joint effort between National Geographic and the national sanctuary program.

Regarding the brochure “Oceans For Life,” Notice the educational tools being taught to young children like GPS and GIS. This is a nicely put together brochure that’s easy to read. Your input or ideas regarding this brochure are appreciated. The other brochure “Ocean Literacy” has a wealth of information. We need to put ocean concepts in classrooms and find ways to work information with teachers. Teachers are currently judged on test scores – and students are taught less and less about geography and science with the focus on reading writing, and math (No Child Left Behind). Drawing on your knowledge of the Sanctuary, try to come up with ideas to work into the curriculum.

Dawn Hayes (MBNMS Education) PowerPoint:
Dawn Hayes, MBNMS Education Coordinator, followed Steve's introduction with a power point presentation outlining the MBNMS’s efforts to reach out to the sanctuary’s diverse constituents to build a greater understanding of the ocean’s influence on people and their influence on the ocean. Strategies include developing constituent outreach programs, a comprehensive volunteer program, creating partnerships with businesses, developing K-12 educational programs (which will include the education guidelines described above) and continuing to implement the sanctuary’s multicultural education program known as MERITO (Multicultural Education for Resources Threatening Oceans). These are further detailed in the sanctuary's Ocean Literacy and Constituency Building Action Plan that will be part of the site's management plan. (PDF of PowerPoint 196KB ).

Ocean Literacy is not just targeting students, it is also about getting these concepts to those who do not know about or understand it. Ocean Literacy is basically an understanding of the oceans influence on you and your understanding of the ocean. After being asked by National Marine Sanctuaries Program, we have been populating websites with education and outreach materials to inform constituents about problems affecting Sanctuary resources, show them how to get involved and build an increased understanding. A new Action Plan with strategies to develop outreach programs, develop volunteer programs, create partnerships with local businesses, and develop K-12 education programs to increase ocean literacy.

Rachel Saunders presenting:
NOAA is creating an Alliance of Ocean Communicators to come together to design a public awareness campaign for California to help preserve its oceans. The campaign will be launched at the September World oceans conference in Long Beach. The National Program and the State held two workshops. Together there were about 170 participants who were very supportive about this effort and interested in the networking opportunities and to come to agreement on key messages. We hope this will be a result of this effort – key messages and a variety of products: websites, PSAs, etc. We are having workshops to focus on these products. There is a need to hire professionals and we have an advertising agency for pro-bono work. This effort is being supported by the State of California, the National Marine Sanctuary Program, Long Beach Aquarium, and other institutions. We hope this will serve as a model nationwide.

XII. MARINE LIFE PROTECTION ACT (MLPA) UPDATE

Paul Reilly presenting:
Since the last Advisory Council meeting, there has been one meeting of the Science Advisory Team in March and one meeting of Blue Ribbon Task Force in March.

As you may recall, at the Jan-Feb BRTF meeting the BRTF asked proponents of Packages to revise their proposals in the following manner.

1. better meet SAT guidelines in MPF
2. (&3) reduce potential socio-economic impacts

At the Jan-Feb meeting the BRTF also directed Initiative staff to develop a recommendation for a preferred alternative. Initiative staff developed what became known as Package S. This package was largely derived from Packages 1, 2 and 3, many felt that this was a betrayal of the process to date in that the package was not vetted by stakeholders before it was presented to the BRTF.

After public testimony at the March BRTF meeting, the Task Force directed staff to combine elements of Packages 3, creating a compromise package, known as 3R, with specific attention to particular areas of concern voiced by the BRTF.

On day 2 of the meeting, the BRTF members voted on two major issues:

1. Which packages should be forwarded to the Department as acceptable alternatives?
2. Which of those packages should be the recommended preferred alternative?

The decision was to forward only packages 1, 2, and 3R to DFG.

Last-minute significant revisions were made to Package 3R, changing the boundaries of MPAs along Cannery Row, to reduce squid impacts, and expanding the size of 3 MPAs (Pt Sur, Pt Buchon, Purisima Pt) to reach the preferred size range in the Master Plan Framework guidelines of 18 square miles. The Department pointed out that the expansions would cause significant impacts to some fisheries.

(Package 2 was also revised in the Cannery Row area to create an area for kelp harvesting by local aquaculturists and allow recreational hook and line fishing. This revision of Package 2 became known as Package 2R)

By a 3-2 vote, the BRTF then endorsed Package 3R as their recommended preferred alternative.

We are now in the next phase of the process: analysis, basis of feasibility to implement and enforce, and development of a preferred alternative for the Commission.

A joint meeting of the BRTF and Commission is presently scheduled for May 25, at which time the BRTF will present a summary of its work which led to the designation of 3R as its preferred alternative.

XIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mike Bekker:
Career Day is coming up – MBNMS might want to call a few schools and participate. We have two Capstone projects currently underway at CSUMB regarding groups I am affiliated with. We are essentially being dissected and it offers some interesting and helpful objective information about how an organization works. MBNMS might consider looking into having this done as well. Also, Rachel was seen last week on the Discover Channel program “Myth Busters” as MBNMS representative.

PJ Webb:
The Morro Bay Ecosystem-Based Management Program received the following funding to implement an ecosystem management plan for Morro Bay:

• $1.5 Million from the Packard Foundation
• $719,000 from the Cal Poly Foundation
• $500,000 from the California Ocean Protection Council and Coastal Conservancy
• $400,000 from the Resources Legay Fund Foundation

Michelle Roest was on a TV show and did a beautiful job

Randy:
A reminder about the June 9 & 10 Beach Dive Photo Competition.

Karen:
“Voyage to Kure” television program by Jean Michel Cousteau will be aired on PBS as part of a series.

Kaitilin:
Announced that a community forum about the Elkhorn Slough Tidal Wetland Project will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26th, 2006 at the Moss Landing Chamber of Commerce.

Brian:
2006 marks GFNMS 25th Anniversary. Excursion and lecture series on marine mammals and seabirds with excursion in Elkhorn Slough – MBNMS is welcome to take part. GFNMS has a new “25 ways to protect the ocean” card. SIMoN recently expanded to GFNMS to support regional initiatives – safe seas, state habitat mapping initiative working to map state

Paul:
On April 1, 2006, the opening day of recreational salmon season in our area, angler effort was exceptionally high from our local ports. That morning, an estimated 165 small boats left the Monterey harbor, and another estimated 165 small boats left the Moss Landing harbor, to fish for salmon.

Rachel:
MBNMS will soon be releasing a new 12-page, large format "Field Guide to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary." The guide is intended for visitors as well as locals and will provide information about the sanctuary, major habitats, wildlife, and things to do. It will include a wildlife viewing calendar of what species visitors can see during particular seasons and a large map of the sanctuary with points of interest identified from the Bay Area south to Cambria. An electronic copy will also be available for download from the sanctuary's web site.

Deborah:
Going to the National Sanctuary Advisory Council Chair’s Conference this month. Will report at June meeting.

XIV. ADJOURN

NEXT MEETING: June 2, 2006, Santa Cruz

adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

Submitted by
Paul Chetirkin
Sanctuary Advisory Council Coordinator