[CINC] CHOW conceding day in D.C.

[paul jr petrich]

Ocean People,
 Although belated, here is the the summary, as promised, on the concluding topic of Capitol Hill Ocean Week Symposium. It was titled: "MPA Work and Support a Vibrant Economy."  Here is the key sentence describing the discussion: " As America's coastal communities redouble their efforts to attract stable and secure employment opportunities in the wake of the recession, the multiple benefits of preserving the best places in our ocean-including improved business prospects in the tourism and recreation sector-are opening American's eyes to the advantages of well designed and properly managed MPAs."
 To this end,  stories from the Florida Keys and our Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuaries were used to explain success from opposite ends of a recreational use spectrum. The two main discussants were Jerry Ault, A Professor of Marine Biology & Fisheries from the Univ. of Miami, and Michael Cohen, the owner/director of the Santa Barbara Adventure Company. In the case of the Keys, there was a lot of discussion as to how recreational fishers are coming around to support MPAs. Now 85% of all fish catch for consumption in Florida comes from recreational catch. Most sport fishers now realize management has to be done the right way by them-and large fish are more valuable as reproductive machines, rather than as trophy catches. 
 In the case of our California MPAs, Michael case a great account as to why healthy MPA protected coastlines and their healthy ecosystems enhance all the recreational experiences he seeks for his growing number of non-consumtive patrons.
 See you tonight.  Paul
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