E-Letter #2, July 13, 2003

Dear Marine Life Advocate:

Concerned about declines in ocean health? Tired of seeing beaches posted for pollution and reading about fisheries collapsing? Wondering what you can do to help protect the coast? On July 30th you will have a once-in-a-decade opportunity to make a difference in the future of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary and California’s Central Coast.

Created ten years ago, the Monterey Bay Sanctuary is undergoing its first-ever comprehensive management plan review – this is a unique opportunity for the public to weigh in and let the Sanctuary know that additional protections are needed. Currently less than .05% of the Sanctuary is fully protected in no-take marine reserves where fishing and other extractive activities are prohibited. In spite of its name, the Monterey Bay Sanctuary does not yet provide true refuge for fish and marine wildlife. Your input can help the Sanctuary live up to its name.

On the evening of Wednesday, July 30th from 6pm on, the Sanctuary’s Advisory Council will be accepting public comments on a wide range of issues affecting our coast, including the critical issue of marine reserves. Come to the meeting and tell the Advisory Council you support increased protection and the creation of a network of marine reserves in Sanctuary waters.

The Sanctuary needs to hear from you! Help the Sanctuary fulfill its mandate by fully protecting the most special places and underwater habitats within its borders. Join with scores of people concerned, like you, about marine life. Share ideas with fishers on how to collaboratively create reserves that benefit everyone. Watch the decision process in action and become a part of it. Whether you speak publicly, carry a sign and rally with us, or just come to bear witness, your presence at this meeting will make a difference!

Please join with us:
Wednesday, July 30.
Informational briefings begin at 4:30,
Public comment begins at 6:00.
UCSC Inn and Conference Center (the former Holiday Inn),
611 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz.

We strongly encourage marine reserve supporters to check in at the Executive Room (just off the lobby on the ground floor) for briefing materials anytime after 4:30 pm on the 30th. Please come for whatever part of the evening you can. Don’t worry about a late arrival as the meeting will likely go late but do drop by the Executive Room when you arrive. If you’d like to testify before the Advisory Council, please reply to this email.

Don’t miss this chance to make a difference and help protect the Coast for future generations. Come to Santa Cruz on July 30th.

Directions to the meeting are available here.

PS This is our second E-Letter to our supporters.Read previous E-Letters in our archives .

PPS COOL and its member organizations will use your email address ONLY to keep you informed about Marine Reserves in California and related developments. We will never share this list with anyone else. Please ask your friends to register their support for new reserves.