MBNMS SAC Meeting Minutes October 4th, 2002

Channel Islands NMS: LCDR Matt Pickett -ABSENT
Gulf of the Farallones NMS and Cordell Bank NMS: Ed Ueber - ABSENT
Elkhorn Slough NERR: Becky Christensen - ABSENT
Monterey Bay NMS: William J. Douros

Paul Reilly, CA Dept. of Fish and Game
Kaitilin Gaffney, Conservation
Jeffrey Paduan, Research
Michael Murray, Channel Islands NMS
Lynn Rhodes, CA State Parks
Monty Criss, Tourism
Charles Lester, CA Coastal Commission

Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante’s Chief of Staff, Burt McChesney, presented a resolution commending the MBNMS on its 10-year Anniversary, which Bill accepted.

MOTION: (Passed)
The SAC unanimously adopted the minutes from the August 1st and 2nd, 2002 Sanctuary Advisory Council meeting, with no changes.

Motion introduced by Dan Haifley , seconded by Ron Massengill
(Vote: 13 in favor, 0 opposed (unanimous))

Milos Radakovich spoke regarding the history of BayNet and thanked Kaitilin Gaffney and Rachel Saunders for their support under the Ocean Conservancy. He passed out a flyer on the upcoming training classes for new volunteers.

Steve Shimek spoke about the increase in sea otter strandings for this year.

Jane DeLay announced that she has taken a part time position as the Marine Policy Coordinator with Save Our Shores. She will also continue as the Program Manager for Camp SEA Lab.

Karen Owen introduced herself as the new Director of Science with Friends of the Sea Otter.

Dawn Hayes announced that October 4th, 2002 was LEE Denim Day, a fundraiser that raises money for breast cancer research. She introduced Julie Barrow, MBNMS Education and Outreach Specialist, who is a 1-year survivor of breast cancer.

Rick Hanks announced that BLM Coastal National Monument is starting their planning process. He passed out folders with information on the Coastal National Monument. President Clinton designated the Coastal National Monument under BLM’s jurisdiction in January of 2000.

Paul Reilly, alternate for the CA Dept of Fish and Game seat introduced himself.

Deborah Streeter gave a warm welcome to everyone for attending the meeting at the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula.

Bill gave a brief presentation on the MBNMS’s accomplishments over the last 10-years. He also spoke about the anniversary events during the month of September and introduced a slide show of pictures covering all of the events. Bill also introduced a number of new Sanctuary staff.(PDF of PowerPoint Presentation)

Kaitilin Gaffney, on behalf of the CWG, presented a framed poster to Bill and the MBMMS staff as a thank you for all their hard work.

Bill presented the work plan summary for the JMPR. He stated that the Advisory Council did not need to make any decisions or actions on the JMPR today, but would appreciate the Advisory Council’s feedback. Bill reviewed the summary, identifying both cross cutting and site-specific issues. Sign up sheets were handed out to Advisory Council members to have them choose working groups that they would like to participate in. SAC members were also asked to identify other stakeholders that need to be/should be involved. Members of the public who are interested in being on a working group were asked to work through a SAC member who could suggest them for a working group.
(PDF of DRAFT Work Plan)
(PDF of Cross Cutting Issues)

Were these JMPR documents posted on the web?

Answer: Sean stated that they were not on the website at this time, but would be available shortly after the meeting.

What are guidelines for figuring out a good size for working groups?

Answer: We would like to keep them a manageable size and will decide on a case-to-case basis.

Is there a budget for research for the working groups or do we have to use research already done?

Answer: Depending on what information is needed, there may be a budget available.

How are exotic species going to be handled?

Answer: This issue is currently deferred by MBNMS, but we will work aggressively on it in two years. Also, it is possible that another agency will take the lead in the interim.

Are there going to be guidelines as to working group compositions and decision-making?

Answer: Yes there will be guidelines, which will be provided in about a month.

Are we going to be setting up marine reserves or making suggestions to other agencies?

Answer: Bill responded to this question by stating the Sanctuary will be working on marine reserves through a two pronged approach. First, we will work as an agency partner through the MLPA process and the California Department of Fish and Game to make recommendations for state waters. If the state does not adapt an adequate network of marine reserves within a few years, took no action the Sanctuary would consider implementing reserves through its own process while working with stakeholders including the fishing community. For federal waters, the Sanctuary will begin working with NMFS and the fishing community to discuss the potential need for and location of marine reserves. The goal of the Sanctuary is to get everyone on the same page.

How will the Advisory Council give advice on the Management Plan?

Answer: The decision was made to set up a group to address this question. Peter Grenell, Dan Haifley, Charles Lester, Stephanie Harlan, Kaitilin Gaffney, Bill Douros and Rachel Saunders volunteered to participate in this group and will bring back recommendations to the Advisory Council at the December 6th meeting.

Steve Shimek suggested John Pearse as a stakeholder for tidepools. Regarding harbors and dredge disposal he suggested we should be stricter on implementing current regulations already in effect instead of making new regulations. The marine reserves working group should be inclusive and balanced with fishing group and conservation group representation.

John Fischer spoke regarding the importance of wildlife disturbance. He stated that an important bird is the snowy plover and hopes that snowy plovers are mentioned in this plan.

Lydia Bergen, PISCO, announced the availability of a new booklet and video on marine reserves.

Holly spoke about the process for sorting and coming to a consensus on water quality and vessel traffic issues and what criteria were used to help in that sorting out process.

Dan Haifley explained to the Advisory Council what the Santa Cruz Hotel Tax is. The Advisory Council did not take action; they took this as an informational item.

Ron Massengill spoke about a workshop on Salmonids on October 21st. He invited everyone to attend.

Charles Lester announced the California Coastal Commissions meeting next month. There will be a periodic review of the implementation of the Local Coastal Program (LCP) for the City of Monterey. Contact his office for more information.

Patricia Clark-Gray showed off a new patch for Boy Scouts participating in the Coastal Cleanup for the 5th year. California State Parks produced a new brochure on sharing beaches with the Snowy Plover.

Michael Murray announced that Chris Mobley will be the new manager for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) starting in November and Matt Pickett will be leaving at the end of the year. The California Department of Fish and Game will be meeting late in October for a special hearing to consider marine reserves in the CINMS.

Holly spoke about the August 2002 press conference in Watsonville regarding what was done to implement the Agricultural Plan. The press and Ag partners were in attendance.

Dick Nutter commented that the waiver for non-point source discharges associated with the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan is expiring the beginning of next year. Dick wanted the Advisory Council to send a letter to the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) to consider the program that the MBNMS has in place now with the Agricultural industry.

MOTION: (Passed)
The SAC send a letter to the RWQCB asking they factor in and consider the efforts and recommendations from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Agricultural Plan as they adopt their TMDL program.

Motion introduced by Dan Haifley seconded by LT Thomas Stuhlreyer.
(Vote: 15 in favor, 0 opposed (unanimous))

The Annual Report will be presented by Stephanie Harlan.

The next meeting will be held in Half Moon Bay

The meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m.