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MBNMS
SAC: Conservation Working Group Meeting Minutes January 21st, 2003
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Jack
Wickham (SC), K, Gaffney (TOC), John Fisher, V.Nichols , F. O’Neill,
Carol Maehr (ACS), Meredith Lopuch & Mike Osmond (WWF), Steve Shimek
(OP), Peggy McNutt (TNC), Holly Price (MBNMS), Cecil Wahle (League of
Women Voters), Harriet Mitteldorf, Kathy Fosmark (Alliance of Communities
for Sustainable Fisheries).
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The
USFW Recovery Plan for the Southern Sea Otter, expected out in Jan.
2003, has been delayed again. The Otter Project is circulating letters
to USFW and Sam Farr is circulating a letter to coastal legislators
supporting release of the plan.
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Fishing
organizations have filed lawsuits challenging the gillnet closure
implemented by CDFG last year as well as the Channel Islands marine
reserves regulations.
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Holly
reported that the Sanctuary has been involved in a number of emergency
responses issues in the past month including emergency permits for
shoreline protection, tarballs, a 100,000 gallon sewage spill (in
Capitola).
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The
First Flush data suggest much higher contamination levels than in
previous years.
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CWG
members questioned the stormdrain system at Fort Ord. Holly agreed
to have staff look into this issue and report back to the CWG.
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Holly
announced that the Sanctuary hired a new Water Quality Protection
Program Director, Chris Coburn as well as a new enforcement officer.
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Holly
noted that the Celebrity Mercury (cruise ship) that is visiting
Monterey 13 times in 2003 has an advanced wastewater treatment system
on board raising questions about whether it should be required to
comply with the no discharge policies adopted by the City of Monterey
and Sanctuary.
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The
CWG discussed a recent incident wherein a hull damaged oil tanker
transited Sanctuary waters en route from Long Beach to Port Angeles
for repair.
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The
CWG agreed to send a memo to the SAC suggesting that the SAC write
to the Coast Guard and the Technical Advisory Committee seeking improved
notification of such incidents and consideration of a protocol for
addressing the risks posed in similar situations.
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Vicki
gave an update on the Pew Commission’s release of a Marine Reserves
Report in San Mateo last week. This report and others are available
at the Pew Commission’s website.
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JMPR-
workgroups have begun meeting. CWG members serving on workgroups will
provide brief updates and seek group input at future CWG meetings.
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Cruise
Ship Discharges- the SAC will be considering a cruise ship discharge
regulation at its Feb. 7th meeting. CWG members were encouraged to
attend and express their views. Vicki urged Kathy Fosmark to encourage
the fishing community to support this water quality effort.
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The
CWG discussed the framework for addressing invasive species in the
coming months. This issue will be addressed from 11 am –1 pm
at the February, March and April CWG meetings. Kaitilin will invite
representatives from the harbors, the Slough, MLML, the MB Aquarium
and Dave Ebert to participate in the working group.
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Working
with Senator McPherson’s office, SOS has submitted a spot bill
on invasive species issues.
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