Kayak Fishing Association of California

* Kayak Anglers Win Representation on the MLPA South Coast Regional Stakeholders Group *

Congratulations, we’ve done it! The KFACA’s MJ Kennedy and Paul Lebowitz were named to the South Coast Regional Stakeholders Group.

It was only possible due to the kayak fishing community’s broad support campaign. MJ and I take the charge very seriously. We know there will be closures. We’ll do our utmost to reduce their impact on kayak anglers.

We’ll need your help along the way. Following this first two day RSG meeting (Mon and Tues Oct 6-7), we’ll have a better picture of the issues and time frame. As it becomes clear where the battlegrounds will be, we’ll spread the word and ask people to submit polite, to the point testimony at the meetings and in writing. When its time to draw discrete lines on the map, we’ll keep you posted and seek out local expert advice and opinion from you.

Thank-you for your on-going support –
Paul Lebowitz, KFACA Director

Malibu Kayaks, OEX Kayak Centers Kick in an X-13 Fishing Kayak and More
Donations Fire up KFACA Fred Hall Show Benefit Raffle

The Kayak Fishing Association of California raffled off a brand spanking new Malibu X-13 fishing kayak at the Fred Hall Shows. For two weeks, the only places to see the intriguing new design were the OEX and KFACA booths at the west coast’s two big fishing extravaganzas.

“The KFACA had an X-13 to raffle off before the boats were available to the public. This exciting opportunity was thanks to Malibu Kayaks and OEX Kayak Centers, two companies which understand the challenge the MLPA poses to kayak anglers. They stepped up big time to show their support of our work,” association director Paul Lebowitz explained.

OEX salted the raffle with daily prizes, but there was no secret what the ticket buyers wanted. When the grand prize ticket was drawn on the final day of the Del Mar show, Eddie Sison got a sweet new ride – but kayak anglers all across California were the big winners. The money raised will fund the KFACA’s critical MLPA programs.

The KFACA Fred Hall Show booths were staffed by an army of kayak anglers dedicated to preserve kayak fishing access. Thanks for your help – we’re all in this together.

Plastic Navy and Friends Raise $400 for KFACA MLPA Funds

Plastic Navy loves little more than getting together with a few dozen buddies for a friendly, catch & release fish-off. During their latest Money Between Friends jackpot at San Diego’s beautiful Mission Bay, they put the fun and games on pause for a moment to address the serious issue of the Marine Life Protection Act. The MLPA, a state law requiring establishment of a network of marine protected areas along the California coast, will soon be on the way to Southern California.

“The MLPA affects all of us. It’s coming to our launch sites, places like La Jolla and even the bays. No other group is as vulnerable to closures,” Plastic Navy tournament director Drew Clark said to the crowd. “We’re donating $5 from every entry and matching it to raise funds for the Kayak Fishing Association of California.”
In all, Plastic Navy and friends raised $400 for the KFACA, essential funds that will help the association carry out its mission to preserve and expand kayak fishing access.

“We must make sure kayak anglers have a voice in the process,” KFACA director Paul Lebowitz replied. “Thank-you very much for your generosity. We’ll be calling on you again, for letters and phone calls supporting kayak angler representation in the coming MLPA stakeholder process.” For more on Plastic Navy, visit www.KayakFishNation.com .

Many thanks to all those who stepped up to earn kayak anglers a seat at the table in the on-going Marine Life Protection Act process. For those unaware of this thing, its a state law that requires establishment of a network of marine reserves along California's coast. Obviously, reserves placed in just a few key areas could put kayak anglers out of business. We're doing everything possible to avoid that outcome. This will be the first of many MLPA updates meant to keep SoCal's kayak anglers informed and highlight opportunities for involvement.

Draft Regional Profile:
The most substantive recent development was the release of the Draft Regional Profile of the South Coast Study Region. This document lays out SoCal’s marine environment and uses. It is available at: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/scprofile.asp

We have a major task ahead, reviewing and critiquing this product. This document provides much of the baseline information that will be used to justify or rebut proposed reserve locations. Give it a look - a serious look - and make your voices heard.

Comments are due Oct 31. If you can help, please let the KFACA know ASAP. In particular, we are working on adding the many security zones and administrative areas that prohibit fishing. Please pitch in!

Science Guy or Gal - Help Wanted!

The KFACA is looking for a good brain or two. Specifically, we’re looking for someone to monitor the MLPA Science Advisory Team meetings and provide reports to backstop material available from outside sources. Also, we’re looking for informed advice and insight into marine science issues. Familiarity with GIS concepts is a plus.

The SAT meets at least once every 6 weeks, but possibly much more often. Meetings are available via online remote and are also typically archived online for later viewing. For example, here's a link to the SAT's Sept 15 meeting:
http://www.cal-span.org/cgi-bin/medi...older=MLPA-SAT

Upcoming Meetings
Nov 4 – Blue Ribbon Task Force - location TBD
Nov 12 – Science Advisory Team - location TBD
Nov 18-19 – Regional Stakeholder Group - Santa Barbara
Dec 10 - Blue Ribbon Task Force - location TBD
Dec 17 - Science Advisory Team - location TBD
Jan 13-14 - Nov 18-19 – Regional Stakeholder Group - TBD

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