Request for Nominations to the

Central Coast Regional Stakeholder Group(s)

The California Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative is accepting through April 25, 2005 nominations for appointments to the Central Coast Regional Stakeholder Group(s). The central coast study region extends from Pigeon Point in the north to Point Conception in the south. The regional stakeholder group(s) will provide a forum for:

       * Developing regional goals and objectives as related to the MLPA;
       * Evaluating existing marine protected areas within the central coast study region;
       * Developing alternative proposals for marine protected areas within the central coast study region;
       * Outreach to constituent groups for involvement in the MLPA Central Coast Project; and
       * Identifying potential panel speakers for MLPA Initiative Blue Ribbon Task Force meetings.

To address these and other issues in a collaborative manner, the regional stakeholder group(s) will work with a facilitator, the MLPA central coast project manager, a science advisory team, the Department of Fish and Game and MLPA Initiative professional staff. The regional stakeholder group(s) will not negotiate or decide issues outside the public sessions of the group.

The MLPA Initiative is looking for individuals committed to successfully completing the MLPA process on the central coast by March 2006. Members of the regional stakeholder group(s) are expected to be capable of working with many constituencies. Selections will be made to achieve a diversity of perspectives, expertise, constituencies and geography. The extent of an applicant’s communication network will also be a selection factor. The MLPA Initiative encourages efforts by multiple stakeholder groups to nominate a single individual.

The MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force and the director of the Department of Fish and Game will appoint the Central Coast Regional Stakeholder Group(s). Because the central coast encompasses such a large area (about 200 linear miles), separate groups MAY be established in the north and south. Each group, or the group, will meet approximately once per month between June 2005 and March 2006. Upon request, regional stakeholder group members will be reimbursed for travel expenses.

Nominations should include the following information:

       * Nominee name and complete contact information, including email address
       * Where appropriate, identify any stakeholder group with which affiliated
       * Past involvement in the MLPA or similar processes
       * Willingness to commit the time for full participation
       * Descriptions of the organizations with which the individual will communicate
       * Specific communication and outreach mechanisms to be utilized
       * Areas of knowledge or expertise relevant to the project.

Nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 25, 2005

via Email or

Fax: 916.653.8102 (Attn: Melissa Miller-Henson)

Mail: Marine Life Protection Act Initiative
       c/o California Resources Agency
       1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311
       Sacramento, CA 95814
       Attn: Melissa Miller-Henson