The “CAnearshore” listserve is one of several forums for discussing options for managing the nearshore finfish fishery off California to ensure its sustainability and consistency with the Marine Life Management Act.

On August 25, the California Fish and Game Commission asked the Department of Fish and Game to begin the process of formally considering a range of options for fostering stability in the nearshore finfish fishery while a fishery management plan is being prepared. The Commission will be taking testimony on the options at its October 19-20 meeting in San Diego and at its December 7-8 meeting in Eureka. The Commission is organizing additional meetings for discussion of the options. The Commission will consider adoption of the options at its December meeting in Eureka.

The Marine Life Management Act encourages the active involvement of the public in fashioning the way in which fisheries are managed for sustainability. This listserve is one of several efforts to expand the opportunity for public involvement, and builds upon another listserve, “oceancoalition.” That listserve pioneered the use of the Internet in promoting discussion of nearshore fisheries management among a wide range of interests. One of the purposes of that listserve--and of this one as well--is to offer a means by which people can become involved who cannot attend meetings of the Commission. It also gives the Commission another opportunity to hear from the public. Both Commissioner Chrisman and Commissioner Schuchat, who form the Marine Subcommittee, will be following the discussions on the listserve.

Besides providing a forum for the discussion of interim nearshore management measures, this listserve will also make available relevant documents. These documents include notes from meetings, statistics, position papers, etc.

If you have suggestions for improving this listserve, please contact Mike Weber at <MLeoWeber@aol.com>.