The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will be holding two public meetings to share information about the Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan (FMP) process. The meetings, which will be held in Oxnard and Carlsbad, will provide the public and interested organizations with an opportunity to learn more about DFG’s plans to develop a comprehensive Spiny Lobster FMP.
The public feedback from these meetings will help inform the Spiny Lobster FMP process and aid in the plan’s development. “The spiny lobster is a prime candidate for an FMP,” said Senior Biologist Kristine Barsky, who will coordinate the FMP process. Barsky has worked predominantly with invertebrate species such as lobster during her 37 years with DFG’s Marine Region. The Spiny Lobster FMP is being developed in accor-dance with the Marine Life Management Act of 1998, as the spiny lobster supports important commercial and recreational fisheries and plays a key role in the Southern California kelp forest ecosystem. “DFG is commit-ted to making this process transparent, objective and accessible to all, with the goal of completing an adaptable FMP that will ensure a sustainable lobster resource and healthy fisheries,” said Barsky. The agenda is identi-cal for both public meetings so interested parties need only attend one meeting. Members of the public can provide comments in person at either of the following locations and times:
Carlsbad: Thursday, April 19, 2012 Open house begins at 6 p.m. Public meeting will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. Grand Pacific Palisades Hotel Grand Ballroom 5805 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008 www.grandpacificpalisades.com/map-directions
Written comments may also be submitted after the meetings, either by e-mail through the Lobster FMP web site (www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/lobsterfmp/) or by regular mail to:
Department of Fish and Game Attn: Lobster FMP 1933 Cliff Drive, Suite 9, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
For more information about these meetings, the Spiny Lobster FMP process or to be added to the list server, please visit www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/lobsterfmp/.
Individuals who cannot receive e-mail may sign up to receive the Lobster FMP news notices via mail. Please contact Rosalyn McFarland at (805) 568-1231 to provide your mailing address.
